Dear fellow countrymen, internationalist soldiers, and veterans of military service!
On February 15, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Honoring Participants in Combat Operations on the Territory of Other States and the anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan.
This day is not only a tribute to the memory of the fallen, but also a recognition of the feat of those who went through the crucible of military conflicts in different parts of the world. These wars, especially in Afghanistan, were a difficult test and tragedy for hundreds of thousands of people - both those who were directly in the combat zone and those who were waiting at home for the return of their relatives and friends. And it is a great pity that thousands of Ukrainians became victims of the totalitarian Soviet regime, its authoritarian policy. Thus, 150 thousand Ukrainians took part in the war in Afghanistan; 12 thousand of them were wounded, contusions, and about 4 thousand did not return to their homes.
Today we bow our heads to the memory of the internationalist soldiers who died while performing their military duty on the territory of other states. We express our gratitude and respect to the Ukrainian peacekeepers, veterans of the Afghan war, who today use their combat experience to protect Ukraine from Russian invaders!
I wish you and your families good health, prosperity, peace and harmony.
Eternal memory to those who did not return... Honor and respect to those who live among us!
Galina MINAYEVA, Head of the Chuguev City Military Administration