Dear colleagues, comrades-in-arms!

The Day of Honoring the Combatants in the Territory of Other States will be celebrated in Ukraine on February 15.

One of the open wounds for the Ukrainian people is the War in Afghanistan. History of this war is written with blood of soldiers, tears of women, obelisks and songs that burst into our life.

More than 160000 of our compatriots have passed through the crucible of the Afghan War. 2378 of them, unfortunately, haven't returned to the native Ukraine.

With sorrow and pain, we bow our heads before them.

Eternal glory to the Heroes!

Proactive civic stance of the combatants, first of all, of the former Afghan-warriors, their wish to live in a democratic and civilized European state have been brightly shown during the Revolution of Dignity. They were the first to stand for the protection of the territorial integrity and independence of our state on its eastern borders.

Courage and heroism, invaluable experience passed from them to the present generation of the defenders of Ukraine, have become significant deterrent factors of the Russian Terrorist Aggression and strengthening of the combat effectiveness of the national forces.

We are proud of the DIU personnel – combatants in the territory of other states, who carry out essential tasks of providing national security and restoring of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I am grateful to all of you for self-devotion, loyalty and commitment to the Ukrainian people, honest and conscientious discharge of duties.

I sincerely wish You and Your families sound health and happiness, peace, harmony and welfare, indestructible faith in the better future of Ukraine!