Zelenskyy addressed officer graduates of military universities in Ukraine

Zelenskyy addressed officer graduates of military universities in Ukraine

During these weeks, Ukrainian higher military educational institutions graduate young officers. In particular, more than 2,000 lieutenants, who must now strengthen the combat brigades and Ukraine as a whole.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated them on their graduation, thanked them for their dedication to the state and wished them to become commanders and warriors the whole country would be proud of. The video message was published by the press service of the Presidential Office on 21 June.

"I congratulate all of you on graduation and thank you for your dedication to Ukraine, for your courage to be the generation of our officers who defend our statehood - the independence of Ukraine, and who will guarantee Ukraine’s security in the post-war period," he said.

The President emphasised that Ukrainians need to think and care about the country after the war, about the security of our state in years and decades to come. According to him, it depends on each and every person who connects his or her life with the country, the army and security.

"Now you are young officers, and all of you have yet to prove yourselves, your qualities, your strength. You still have to grow in experience and in ranks. But I have no doubt that there are those among you who will definitely grow from commanders to commanders, who are grateful to their mentors now, but will also become mentors for others when new generations of Ukrainians come to study to be officers," Zelenskyy addressed the graduates of military universities.

He wished them all success on this path, military luck at the front - in the combat brigades where they will serve, as well as the glory they can gain for Ukraine and for themselves. The President added that not only Ukraine, but also the world is proud of our soldiers and the results of the country’s defence. At the same time, everyone understands that the development of the Ukrainian army requires more modern practices and skills, more technology, and a more human-centred approach.

"And it will happen. It will happen, in particular, thanks to you. I sincerely wish you to become the kind of commanders who will always be respected by soldiers, and the kind of warriors that your families and communities, and our entire state, will be proud of. I thank your mothers and fathers, all your relatives, and your teachers for such Ukrainian officers. Be strong Ukrainians, and then our Ukraine will always be independent," Zelenskyy said.