Ukraine commemorates 34th anniversary of its Armed Forces

By Peter Tase

Russia’s military campaign inside Ukraine has brought the European economy to its knees and continues to generate profound geopolitical ramifications across the Atlantic and beyond.

Over the last 11 years, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have garnered a high level of international reputation and significantly hardened the ongoing conditions on the ground for the Russian military tactics as Moscow aims to control a greater portion of Ukrainian territory.

Unlike any other institution across the world, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have established a determinant role in European geopolitical interests, and their enduring contributions on the battlefield are admirable and a source of inspiration for future generations.

December 6th is remembered as the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kyiv will be honoring its soldiers this week to emphasize their role in defense of Ukraine’s territory. Every day, the people of Ukraine remember the fallen soldiers with gratitude and sadness. It is thanks to the Armed Forces that the people of Ukraine can live freely and cherish the independence of their motherland since its founding on August 24, 1991.

This is also the right time for European citizens to understand the role that Ukrainian armed forces are exerting to keep the EU safe and help ensure a proactive defensive posture for Western European countries.

On this very special occasion, Europeans and Ukrainians are closer than ever before, joined by a common future and shared aspirations and political ideology.

In this context, the community of Ukrainian diaspora in Denmark and in other Nordic countries is celebrating December 6th, embraced by a deep sense of nationhood, patriotism and profound love for their motherland.

All those who continue to defend the state of Ukraine are remembered on this special day, and their glorious Wall of Remembrance is the pinnacle of sovereignty and commitment to relentlessly fight against the invading Russian Armed Forces.

The faces of Ukrainian heroes are reflected in the Wall of Remembrance and this week, the head of state of Ukraine Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is expected to visit this memorial space where the nation´s heroes are remembered forever.

This is the time for Europeans to be silent and reflect upon the heroism and selfless dedication that Ukrainian soldiers have demonstrated over the past eleven years.

Unlike any other nation in the post-modern world, Ukraine has defeated fear and the concept of nuclear deterrence military strategy by engaging in military skirmishes with a state equipped with nuclear weapons.

Ukraine is hell-bent, while equipped with limited diplomatic and military support from major international actors, has pursued military actions that have contained Moscow’s advancements towards conquering new Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine is defending its own sovereign territory and December 6th reminds us of the heroic acts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an institution that has emboldened Ukraine’s independence and greatly supported the EU’s economic prosperity.

Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting for Europe’s freedom and Ukraine’s lasting independence and democracy.

On the frontline against Russian troops, in trenches, tanks, aircraft and Naval bases, all branches of Ukrainian forces are commended for their heroism, professionalism and unbridled courage.

On top of St. Volodymyr's Hill, the Ukrainian nation is commemorating on December 6th, 2025, this important anniversary that is vital for one of the largest armies of the World that is equally vital for the defense of Europe and is the main wall of protection for NATO’s eastern flanks.

According to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, ‘Russia is trying to force Kyiv to give up and break our will to resist by hitting our civilian objects and damaging civilian infrastructure. By targeting our civilians in this way, they are trying to break our will to win.

First, the enemy, Russian troops, had previously intended to use the Kursk direction as a foothold for further operations against our troops. On May 10, 20024, they launched an offensive in the Kharkiv direction, and just a few days later, they planned to strike and advance in the Sumy direction by using the Kursk direction and the territories of the Kursk region as a springboard for further actions against our state, against Ukrainian armed forces there.’

In August 2024, Russian forces suffered heavy losses in the Kharkiv sector; they were practically stuck in their offensive and actually moved to the defense in Vovchansk. Russian troops stopped in the area of Hlyboke, near Lyptsi. And their troops going on the offensive in the Kharkiv direction were ill-equipped. Then they gradually began to redeploy those units that were located in the Kursk region, towards Kharkiv direction. As a result, the offensive in the Sumy direction was not executed. Meanwhile, Russian forces had the objective to use this territory as a bridgehead for further military incursions. Moreover, Moscow’s troops launched shells against Ukrainian Forces on a daily basis. The military skirmishes of May ­September 2024 were decisive in stopping Russia’s territorial advancements across Ukraine. Indeed, the ongoing military tactics applied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces require further study and consideration by the top brass of NATO military training experts.

Ukrainian armed forces have mastered the behavior of the enemy’s armed forces and this has reduced Moscow’s operational effectiveness.

On the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, let us remember: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who embraces those who behave well, those who behave despicably, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine emerge and become the defenders of justice. Ukraine is strong and its Armed Forces remain committed to reversing Russian territorial advancements. Glory to all Ukrainian warriors, glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Photo: Wikipedia