The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his working trip, took part in the solemn events on the occasion of the Day of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which took place at the Odessa Naval Station. This was reported in the press service of the head of state.
According to tradition, the celebration began with a minute of silence - the participants of the event honored the memory of military sailors who protected the Motherland at the cost of their lives.
The head of state noted that the Navy is gradually becoming a powerful force that combines professional skills, high morale of its personnel, effective weapons and equipment.
"The strength of the national fleet, together with the other forces of Ukraine, is a support for our diplomacy on the way to restoring peace and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Zelensky emphasized.
According to him, in the conditions of Russian armed aggression, the combat-ready Navy is one of the main components of the defense capability and security of Ukraine and an important factor in the military-political reality in the Black Sea region.
"Therefore, one of my main priorities as the president of Ukraine is the construction of a powerful navy equipped with modern ships and modern weapons and ready to adequately respond to challenges and threats to our national security," the president said.
According to him, with the aim of reviving the Ukrainian Navy in recent years, the fleet's military management bodies have been reformed according to NATO standards.
"Ukraine, together with the USA, Great Britain, the Republic of Turkey and many other countries - our friends - is actively implementing joint large-scale projects to update our naval fleet, develop modern naval infrastructure, and train personnel," he noted.
And he said that next year, the American side will begin the transfer of Mark-6 high-speed combat boats to Ukraine.
Also, according to the head of state, the Memorandum on cooperation between Ukraine and Great Britain signed in 2020 is being filled with concrete measures. And soon the Ukrainian fleet will be strengthened by anti-mine ships and modern missile boats.
"The movement to strengthen our naval aviation is successful. We expect to receive modern and effective Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles soon. Ukrainian crews for them are already completing their training in the Republic of Turkey," Zelensky noted.
In addition, the first hull of a modern corvette for the Navy of Ukraine has been laid in Turkey. It will be completed at the Ukrainian shipyard by the end of 2023.
Photo: official website of the President of Ukraine and Oleksandr Kysel
