On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, a meeting of friends of Ukraine took place at the Embassy of Ukraine to the Republic of Tajikistan: ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of the Ukrainian community and leading local media.

Ambassador of Ukraine Valerii Yevdokymov thanked his partners for their support, called for a tougher and consolidated response to the aggressor, and emphasized that currently "the main "diplomats" of Ukraine who create conditions for negotiations are our defenders".

Those present honored the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the independence and freedom of our country, watched documentaries about the defenders of Ukraine, and got acquainted with the exhibition of photos and paintings dedicated to Ukrainian soldiers.

Speech of the Ambassador of Ukraine Valerii Yevdokymov on the Day of Defenders of Ukraine

Dear Excellencies, colleagues, friends,

Two and a half years ago, many didn’t believe that we would be able to preserve the statehood. The people of Ukraine withstood the first blow of a huge neighboring nuclear-armed country and continue to give a worthy rebuff to the Russian terrorists who occupied part of our territory and without any hesitation deliver barbaric attacks on the civilian population.

We are holding on now thanks to the support of our partners, who believed in the strength of the people of Ukraine.

Thank you for this!

But, first and foremost, we preserve the statehood owing to our heroes: women and men, including foreigners, who protect our lives and land at a high cost.

Today is the Day of defenders of Ukraine, to whom we thank and pay tribute. We realize that, unfortunately, not all of them will return home to their families and children.

And this is a great tragedy for Ukraine - to lose its best sons and daughters during the information age.

The situation requires a tougher and consolidated response to the aggressor, who respects only force, and perceives diplomacy as weakness, uses the tools of democracy against the civilized world.

Together with you, as diplomats, we must convey this perception to politicians and citizens of the world.

Meanwhile, the main "diplomats" of Ukraine, who create the conditions for negotiations, are our defenders. And they need more and more weapons.

Glory to those who defend not only Ukraine, but also modern civilization! I suggest watching together several documentaries about the defenders of Ukraine!

 Glory to Ukraine!