Greetings of Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Day of the Ukrainian Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

I sincerely congratulate the combat personnel and the veterans of the Naval Forces with the professional holiday!

Ukraine is a maritime state, this has historically been formed since the time of the naval campaigns of the princely fleet of Kievan Rus.

Throughout all modern history of Ukraine, the sailors and officers of the Naval Forces have honorably fulfilled their duty. Today, courageous, fearless naval mariners and marines are reliably protecting the maritime borders of Ukraine, and our maritime infantry in the ATO zone is professionally and courageously repelling any provocations of Russian hybrid troops.

For the time being, our highest national priority is the further protection of the country and the liberation of the occupied territories, the strengthening of the security and defense sector, the development of the Armed Forces, in particular, the establishment of a reliable coastal defense system and the modernization of the fleet, which should become modern and capable of effective interaction with the ships of our allies in order to maintain security in the region.

In addition to greetings, naval mariners also expect specific actions. Such actions are necessary, in particular, for those who were forced to leave their homes in the Crimea and resettle to Odesa. We must not have homeless officers unsure of their own tomorrow. That is why the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the General Staff should make every effort to resolve these issues in the nearest time. That is when all the greetings will take on a specific meaning.

May God protect you and your families! Happy holiday!