Президент України — Верховний Головнокомандувач Збройних Сил України Петро Порошенко на випуску в Національному університеті оборони України імені Івана Черняховського

The President of Ukraine has visited the National University of Defense of Ukraine to congratulate the staff, students and graduates of the University on the early graduation of officers.

The President personally handed diplomas to those students who graduated with honors – officers of operational-tactical and operational-strategic level of training.

The Head of State has emphasized that the previous 12 months would remain in the history of Ukraine as a year of revival of the Ukrainian army. “In extremely short terms, we managed to restore combat capacity and withstand the pressure of the well-prepared enemy equipped with modern weaponry. The Armed Forces of Ukraine honorably passed this exam and proved that they are a reliable foothold in the protection of the state’s sovereignty,” the President of Ukraine said.

Addressing the graduates, the President has noted that the reduction of the terms of study and early graduation were caused by the fact that “even under the most optimistic scenario in Donbas and sustainable truce, which would transform into the political settlement and constant peace, the military threat from the East is still topical, unfortunately”. This will require constant strengthening of defense and combat capacity of Ukraine.

The President has also informed that the day before, the Ukrainian troops had started the withdrawal of heavy weaponry under the Minsk agreements.

“Fulfilling the agreements achieved in Minsk, we have started the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the delimitation line in Donbas. Still, it is only the first trial step, the very beginning of the peace plan fulfillment, which is constantly being violated by our opponents. Our militaries are ready to return the heavy weaponry to the front line at any time and rebuff the enemy in the shortest terms,” the President said.

After receiving the diplomas, graduates proclaimed a solemn oath promising to carry the high rank of the officer, guard Ukraine, protect the safety and welfare of the Ukrainian nation, selflessly serve and defend the Ukrainian state.