Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, on the anniversary of the nationwide referendum, highlighted the contribution of the Defense Forces to protecting Ukraine’s independence.

He wrote about this on his Facebook page.

The minister recalled that on this day 34 years ago, during the referendum, Ukrainians said “yes” to the restoration of the independence of the Ukrainian state.

Denys Shmyhal emphasized that today our independence and sovereignty are defended every day by the Ukrainian military. The defenders — men and women serving in the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Border Guard Service, the Security Service of Ukraine, and all security and defense forces — protect one common cause as well as their own personal ones: their families and children, loved ones and friends, their native towns and villages, a peaceful future, and the right to live in their own home on their native land.

“Ukrainian military. Different patches, but one force that protects what is theirs. We thank every man and woman who has joined the ranks of the military. Glory to Ukraine!” — the minister wrote.