Multinational Battle Group East Honors Ukraine Armed Forces Day

Strategic Insights -

On December 6, soldiers from Multinational Battle Group East in Kosovo came together to celebrate the 19th Annual Ukraine Armed Forces Day. The event marked the day in 1991 when the Ukraine Parliament adopted the Law "On the Defense of Ukraine." The ceremony began with the playing of the Ukraine National Anthem and featured a review of troops by Ukraine Army Maj. Aleksander Lutsenko, Ukraine Contingent commander. Lutsenko emphasized the importance of modernization and professionalization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highlighting their active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ceremony was held on December 6 to honor the 19th Annual Ukraine Armed Forces Day, marking the adoption of the Law "On the Defense of Ukraine" in 1991.
  • The event featured a review of troops by Ukraine Army Maj. Aleksander Lutsenko, Ukraine Contingent commander, who emphasized the importance of modernization and professionalization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
  • The Ukrainian Contingent consists of soldiers from several units, mainly the 79th Airmobile Brigade, an elite unit with specialized combat training in hand-to-hand combat.
  • The 79th Airmobile Brigade showcased their martial arts skills during the ceremony, demonstrating their capabilities and professionalism.
  • The event was attended by senior military officials from Greece, Poland, and Turkey, including Greek Army Col. Chatzithoefanour Georgirn, Polish Army Lt. Col. Krzystof Monkiewicz, and Turkish Army 1st Lt. Kenan Celik.
  • Ukraine Army Maj. Evgen Piven disarmed Ukrainian Army Pvt. Mikhail Moroz during a martial arts demonstration, highlighting the advanced training of the Ukrainian soldiers.
  • Lt. Col. Jose Boria-Cruz, Multinational Battle Group East deputy commander, thanked the Ukraine soldiers for their service, praising their professionalism and dedication to their mission in Kosovo.
  • The Ukrainian Armed Forces have become one of the top 20 nations actively participating in peacekeeping efforts around the world.

Statistics:

  • 19th Annual Ukraine Armed Forces Day
  • 1991: The Ukraine Parliament adopted the Law "On the Defense of Ukraine"
  • 20 nations: The Ukrainian Armed Forces are among the top 20 nations actively participating in peacekeeping efforts
  • 79th Airmobile Brigade: Number of elite paratrooper unit with specialized combat training
  • 6 December: The ceremony was held on this date to honor Ukraine Armed Forces Day

Sources:

  • U.S. European Command: Released statement from Sgt. Joshua Dodds, 130th Public Affairs Detachment
  • U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Dodds, 130th Public Affairs Detachment
  • Statement from Ukraine Army Maj. Aleksander Lutsenko, Ukraine Contingent commander
  • Statement from Lt. Col. Jose Boria-Cruz, Multinational Battle Group East deputy commander