Sacrifice, achievement and courage: Chief of the Defence Staff hails Ukraine

The Chief of the Defence Staff has praised the sacrifice and the strength of the Ukrainian people as he visited Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin spoke with the head of the country's armed forces to discuss the situation on the frontline and reflected on the years of warfare which started in February 2022 when Moscow launched its Special Military Operation against Ukraine.

"The past three years have been defined by the steadfast courage, resilience and defiance of the Ukrainian people," said Adm Sir Tony.

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He said: "On Monday I was privileged to be in Kyiv for the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion

"[That] morning, President Zelensky led commemoration services to reflect on the sacrifice that his nation has had to make over these three years.

"And I have now come from a battlefield update with General Syrskyi, the head of Ukraine's armed forces.

"What I tried to get across was to acknowledge the sacrifice that his people and his nation had to make.

"But also to express the admiration for all his armed forces are achieving and the courage they are demonstrating."

The Chief of the Defence Staff went on to praise the efforts of the Ukrainian army, which managed to repel much of the Russian invasion.

Adm Sir Tony said: "Over this period they've regained much of the territory Russia had first sized.

"They're imposing a massive cost on the tiny amount of territory that Russia is gaining in the east as we speak.

"They've gained sufficient control of the Black Sea so their commerce can continue - and increasingly Ukraine is taking the fight to Russia in the deep.

"This is a very special day. It's one to acknowledge the sacrifice Ukraine has made and above all it is to acknowledge the achievements Ukraine has been making whilst they fight for their country, their sovereignty and their freedom.

"I made it incredibly clear to General Syrskyi [commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces] that we will continue to support Ukraine in this fight."