Ukraine marks Day of Tank Forces

As reported by Ukrinform, Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal announced this on Telegram.

“Tank units are the reliable armor of Ukraine. The speed, skill, and resilience of Ukrainian tank crews are exactly what the enemy fears most,” Shmyhal noted.

“Dear warriors! In the most difficult moments, you demonstrate true heroism. You quickly mastered the new equipment provided to Ukraine by our allies. Your experience has become an example for the free world,” he addressed the troops. Shmyhal thanked Ukrainian tank crews for their daily heroism and professionalism.

“Eternal memory to those who gave the most precious gift in battles for Ukraine and its people,” he added.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the occasion of the Day of Tank Forces, expressed gratitude to every tank crew member for their courage and professionalism.

“Today, we mark the Day of Tank Forces. We thank all who have dedicated themselves to this service. To be a tank crew member means daily work under risk, in difficult conditions – it is teamwork, precision, endurance, and immense responsibility,” Zelensky said.

According to him, Ukrainian tank crews enter the hottest combat zones, cover infantry, strike enemy positions, and save the lives of their comrades-in-arms.

“We thank every tank crew member for courage and professionalism. Eternal memory to all who gave their lives defending Ukraine’s freedom,” Zelensky emphasized.

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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that in the war for independence, tank troops have become a symbol of true tempering, strength, and relentlessness toward the Russian invaders.

“You are the spearhead of our army, holding back the enemy’s onslaught, destroying it on the battlefield, and breaking through its defensive lines during our offensives. Through your professionalism and bravery, you have proven that a Ukrainian tank is not just a machine, but above all a crew capable of acting decisively, selflessly, and effectively,” Syrskyi stressed.

At the same time, Ukrainian tankers can master and employ in combat any armor, ranging from heavy Western models to captured Russian tanks.

“Commanders, gunners, loaders, and drivers! Specialists, tank builders, engineers, and mechanics! I thank each of you who designs, repairs, and modernizes armor, and those who take it into battle. Eternal memory to tank soldiers who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and independence. Honor and glory to the heroes who now stand on duty in their areas of responsibility and destroy the enemy. I wish you resilience and strength to achieve our common goal,” reads the Commander-in-Chief’s message.

As reported by Ukrinform, on September 9, 2023, the President of Ukraine signed a decree establishing the Day of Tank Forces, to be observed annually on September 14.

Photo: 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo