Head of Armed Forces calls Ukraine an inspiration to people around the world
Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day today, more than two and a half years after the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion.
To mark the day, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has described the Armed Forces of Ukraine as an "inspiration to people around the world".
Today, members of the British public are being called upon to Make Noise For Ukraine to mark the country's independence day.
Adm Radakin said: "I offer my admiration to the men and women of Ukraine’s Armed Forces for the heroic determination with which they defend their country.
"Their initiative, tenacity and skills are an example to the UK Armed Forces; and the clarity of their cause is an inspiration to freedom-loving peoples everywhere."
Countries from across Nato are leading the campaign, urging citizens not to be silent in the face of Russia's aggression, posting a video making noise on social media with the hashtag #MakeNoiseForUkraine.
People are being invited to clap or cheer, play an instrument or even sing a song, or, as has become common over the last two and a half years, to shout Slava Ukraini – glory to Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer has told Ukrainians that the UK will back them "today and always", as Kyiv marks 33 years since it declared independence from the Soviet Union.
The Prime Minister described his seven-word message to front-line fighters and people who have sought refuge in the UK as "crystal clear", and the Government confirmed community groups, councils and parishes have planned events to mark the anniversary.
Ukraine's supreme Soviet agreed the state should leave the Moscow-based Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, which Ukrainian voters backed at a referendum in December of the same year.
"My message to all Ukrainians, whether on the front line or here in your second home in the UK, is crystal clear: we are with you today and always," Sir Keir Starmer said.
He added: "That is what I told President Zelensky when he sat at our Cabinet table and where, on behalf of the British people, I outlined that it is not just the British government behind Ukraine – it's all of us.
"We are with you for as long as it takes.
"Slava Ukraini," he said, a national salute in the country, which translates to glory to Ukraine.
The Government has confirmed that more than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits have received training on British soil since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, as part of an international effort codenamed Operation Interflex.
The Make Noise For Ukraine campaign comes as Ukraine continues its incursion into Russia's Kursk region.
British-donated Challenger 2 main battle tanks have been used by the Ukrainian armed forces inside Russia's border, BFBS Forces News understands.
However, a debate has raged on whether the Ukrainians should be provided longer-range British weapons systems for use in Russia.
Defence Secretary John Healey celebrated the close relationship between the UK and Ukraine and the firm commitment the UK continues to show to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
He said: "On their Independence Day, we salute the fearless resolve of the Ukrainian people.
"They fight for freedoms that we must never take for granted.
"Ukraine has no firmer friend than the UK and we will stand with them for as long as it takes. Britain is united for Ukraine."
Friday was National Flag Day in Ukraine, which saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participate in a flag-raising ceremony near the Verkhovna Rada parliament building.
"We are pushing the occupier out of Ukraine and will give no rest to their tricolours," Mr Zelensky said, a reference to Russia's white, blue and red flag.
"We must rebuild Ukraine, our home, after this war so that our Ukrainian blue and yellow flies as it deserves – over proud land and amidst safe, free, and European life."
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