Ukrainian Union of Defenders of Ukraine, athletes and workers from various fields, together with partner organizations, held a solemn gathering for the Day of Commemoration of the Participants of the Armed Conflicts on the Territory of Other States and on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. The event was attended by – the head of the Union Grigoriy Osovyi, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Association of Afghanistan and Anti-Terrorist Operation veterans, employees of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, veterans, activists, and artists.

The head of the Union Serhiy Bizov gave an example from his childhood, when he was raised by a father who was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and throughout his life, soldiers who had experienced the war in Afghanistan helped and supported him. He also emphasized that the contribution of Afghan war veterans to the defense of Ukraine is significant even now.

"I convey greetings from the Commander of the Ground Forces Oleksandr Pavlyuk. He is grateful to you for the feat you performed in 2014 (during the Anti-Terrorist Operation), as part of the Ground Forces in 2022. We are very grateful to you, Afghan soldiers," emphasized Bizov.

In turn, the Deputy Head of the Union Serhiy Kunitsyn spoke about the significance of this day – many years ago, the war ended, and it is important to remember that "the end of the war is a celebration." He told the story of his son, who is currently involved in combat actions, has suffered concussions, and has returned to the front.

"We believe that we will also celebrate the end of this terrible war," said Kunitsyn.

The head of the Union Grigoriy Osovyi recalled his military service experience and emphasized that currently 20% of Union members are at war, and the number of rehabilitated individuals has almost reached 10,000.

The word was given to the head of the humanitarian support department of the Ministry of Defense, Major Diana Kopanitsa. She mentioned a case when Afghan soldiers were among the first volunteers to defend the country at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Also speaking was the head of the NGO "Wings of the 8th Hundred" Iryna Mikhnyuk, the widow of the Hero of Ukraine Oleh Mikhnyuk, who emphasized the importance of remembering their heroes.

During the event, congratulations and orders from the Ministry of Defense on awarding honors were announced by the Deputy Chief of the Humanitarian Support Department, Oleksiy Serhiyenko. In addition, honorary awards from the National Security and Defense Council were presented.

The family of the Hero of Ukraine Volodymyr Prymachenko, call sign "Kherson," was also present at the event – a symbolic chevron of the hero was presented to the family. The impromptu thematic concert featured Arsen Mirzoyan and the patriotic song band "Contingent."