Zelenskyy: We are now at a decisive stage of the struggle that has been going on for centuries

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a graduation ceremony for officers at the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard.

He emphasized that the National Guard has become one of the key elements of Ukraine’s general defense system, which prevents Russia from defeating Ukraine. Throughout the years of war in Donbas and from the first moments of Russia's full-scale invasion, the National Guard has been demonstrating true Ukrainian strength and doing everything possible to ensure that Ukraine survives.

"We are now at the decisive stage of the struggle for our independence, sovereignty, the struggle for Ukraine, which has been going on for centuries and has become the essence of the lives of different generations of our people," President Zelenskyy said.

In addition, the President emphasized that he had no doubt that "we will be able to protect Ukraine and gain long-term security, freedom and peace for the Ukrainian people."

"We must do everything to speed up this result, to speed up our victory. I believe that your actions will bring our common Ukrainian goal closer. And let your character show its steeliness in the fight against the occupier," Zelenskyy added.

In turn, the President expressed his gratitude to all the soldiers, leadership, officers of the National Guard of Ukraine, the Kharkiv National Academy of the National Guard and the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard.

The Presidential Administration also noted that since the first days of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, the personnel of these educational institutions have been actively involved in repelling the enemy. 

• On Thursday, March 23, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke online at a regular meeting of the European Council, which is taking place in Brussels on March 23 to 24.