Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko visited the training center of the airborne troops of airborne troops in Zhytomyr region and congratulated the military on the Day of the Airborne Troops.

“Ancient and recent history taught us that the most reliable guarantee of our Ukrainian state independence and security of Ukrainian citizens is our army. These are people in uniform, professional, patriotic, courageous defenders of the people and the state,” the Head of State emphasized. He added that these are soldiers who over the past four years literally resurrected the Ukrainian Armed Forces, brought them out of ruins, learnt to fight and win. “Therefore, every visit to the military is not only a demanding test of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, but also a very good opportunity to express gratitude to you, dear warriors, for your military service from all Ukrainians,” the President said.

“The repelling of Russian aggression has clearly demonstrated excellent professional and moral-psychological training, patriotism and high moral qualities of the units of the airborne troops,” the Head of State remarked. For courage and heroism demonstrated in the battles with Russian invaders, more than 7,000 paratroopers were rewarded with state awards and honors from the President of Ukraine, while twelve servicemen were granted the highest state award – the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine. “Unfortunately, the war is not only a victory. 487 “winged infantrymen” did not return from combat missions and were killed in fierce battles with the Russian aggressor. Eternal memory and eternal glory to them,” the Head of State noted. The attendees honored the deceased with a moment of silence.

The President thanked the defenders for being loyal to military duty and oath and wished them good health, the invincibility of spirit and new successes and victories for the good of Ukraine.

President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko underscores the intensive increase in the level of combat potential, combat training, armament of airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a component of the development of the new Ukrainian army.

“Paratroopers are gradually receiving new and upgraded samples of weaponry, military equipment and modern communication equipment that allow to perform combat tasks of any complexity. In recent years, about 150 latest samples of weaponry and military equipment have been submitted to armament of the airborne troops. These are our glorious BTR-3DA, anti-tank missile complexes “Stugna” and “Corsar”. In addition, the airborne units are equipped with the latest means of communication of foreign production,” the President said during his participation in the events on the occasion of the Day of the Airborne Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine within the working visit to Zhytomyr region.

According to him, in the framework of logistical support of our foreign partners, the Ukrainian army received about 40 units of armored and sanitary Hummer vehicles. “Next year, the work will be continued on the provision of the airborne troops with armored personnel carriers, cargo and special vehicles, “Svitiaz” command vehicles, anti-tank missile systems, including Javelin,” the Head of State noted.

Petro Poroshenko also reminded that the construction of 19 dormitories of improved type in the stations of permanent deployment of brigades of the airborne troops, accommodating up to 2.5 thousand people, is being continued. “This is part of the project aimed to build 184 dormitories,” he added.

The President also noted that all the airborne troops, including those performing tasks in the JFO area, were the first in the Armed Forces to switch to a new food system.

“The intensive increase in the level of combat potential and combat training of the airborne troops is being carried out every day,” the President said.

Petro Poroshenko noted that he had just observed the skillful actions of paratroopers during the tactical training. “It was reported that some of the elements of the practical actions carried out today by the participants of the training were practiced for the first time in the history of independent Ukraine. I decided to invite a large group of journalists to this training, so that the entire Ukrainian nation, our friends from abroad and our enemies can see how the Ukrainian Airborne Forces have been strengthened,” the President stressed.

At the same time, the Head of State noted that he was aware of the problems existing in the field of manning of the airborne troops with trained personnel, as well as of the fact that the pace of rearmament did not fully meet the needs.

“I want to assure you that the state will do everything to solve these problems as soon as possible. We conducted brief meetings with the participation of the Ministry of Defense, the leadership of the General Staff and set the tasks of making appropriate proposals. We will provide the necessary instructions to the Ukrainian Government, appeal to the Parliament. I emphasize that the Ukrainian Army will always enjoy full support of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” the President emphasized.