РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Greetings of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Day of Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Day of Defender of Ukraine

I congratulate you on holiday!

Today is a double holiday - the Day of Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Day of Defender of Ukraine. They do not coincide accidentally. From the time immemorial our ancestors have relied upon patronage and protection of the Holy Virgin - the patron the Ukrainian people, the Zaporizhian Army and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

This holiday is full of important content because it is connected with the eternal fight for freedom. And the combination of historical memory and spiritual traditions is the foundation on which we will build a democratic European state.

Today the Ukrainian army is becoming one of the most combat-capable in Europe. Our glorious warriors - worthy heirs of spiritual values and the successors of the glorious deeds of ancestors - protect their Homeland from the aggressor. The success of our victories in confronting a strong and violent enemy lies not only in modern weapons and professionalism of the military but above all, in the unity of the nation.

May the memory of the fallen heroes live forever! Your names are eternally set in stone of the modern history of Ukraine, your immortal feat is an example for new generations of Ukrainians!

I congratulate all defenders and patriots of our state!

May Gog save you all of you and Ukraine!