Today on 6 December Ukrainians around the world observe the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine – encompassing Ground Forces, the Air Force, Special Operations, the Navy and all military personnel including the Territorial Defence Forces – have been tested this year like no other.
They are doing the possible and the impossible. Facing a brutal, full-scale Russian invasion of their country, they have defended Ukraine and protected its cities, towns, villages and citizens.
They have, and continue, to push back Russian forces from occupied areas such as Bucha, Irpin, the northeast Kharkiv region, settlements in the Donetsk and Luhansk region, and Kherson.
It is impossible to forget the scenes of Ukrainian soldiers arriving to liberate Ukrainian towns and villages – the cheers which greet them, the heartfelt hugs from scarfed grandmothers, the deep gratitude of residents who have suffered through occupation, and witnessed too many unbearable things.
In defending and liberating occupied Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have kept the dream of an independent, free and sovereign Ukraine blazing in the hearts of Ukrainians. They have inspired us by their drive to secure a peaceful and just future for the world. And they have shown us the true meaning of bravery, sacrifice and strength.
For Ukrainian-Australians, each and every member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is a hero.
Serviceman Mukhomor (Mushroom), who shielded a little girl from shelling with his body while she was waiting in line to get humanitarian help. Former teacher Liubov Plaksuik, who became the first female head of an artillery unit. And the many husbands, fathers, nephews and family friends of Ukrainian-Australians, who are fighting every day to defend Ukraine.
For Ukrainian-Australians, the death of every Ukrainian defender is a tragedy.
Soldiers such as leading Ukrainian ballet dancer Oleksandr Shapoval, who was killed on the battlefield. Kyiv-based 2014 Revolution of Dignity activist Roman Ratushnyi, who died in the battle of Izium. And the husbands and fathers of displaced Ukrainians in Australia – Taras Ponza and Petro Pereverten – and Australian Trevor Kjeldal, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Ukrainian-Australians also honour and will never forget the Ukrainian prisoners of war, who are and have been mistreated, tortured and abused whilst in Russian captivity.
In Australia, we do what we can to support Ukraine’s defenders. The AFUO’s fundraising charity U-Help provides vital non-lethal military aid to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, including food, medical equipment and military protection.
The AFUO thanks the generous donors who have already donated to support Ukrainian defenders. We ask you to consider donating today to U-Help in honour of this special day.
On the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we salute and give deep thanks to those who have served in the Ukrainian Armed forces, those who continue to serve, and those who have lost their lives.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!
Image Source: АрміяInform
