Ukraine's National Guard Day
Ukraine commemorates its National Guard Day annually on March 26. The holiday was officially established on March 26, 2014, following the Verkhovna Rada's passage of the 'Law on the National Guard of Ukraine' on March 13 of that same year. The National Guard's origins trace back to March 1991, when it was first formed as an independent military unit. This force operates as a key component of Ukraine's internal security and defense apparatus.
Functions and Achievements of the National Guard
The National Guard of Ukraine carries out critical duties, including:
- Maintaining public order and safety;
- Combating organized crime and terrorism;
- Protecting state institutions and strategic sites;
- Participating in international peacekeeping missions;
- Defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As of February 26, 2024, National Guard units have eliminated over 5,500 enemy combatants. Their confirmed combat losses inflicted on the enemy include:
- 945 tanks;
- 410 infantry fighting vehicles;
- 319 armored personnel carriers;
- 863 combat armored vehicles;
- 1,300 automobiles;
- 1,320 artillery systems;
- 18 aircraft;
- 12 helicopters;
- 174 unmanned aerial vehicles.
The defense of Mariupol lasted for 86 days, with 82 of those days under conditions of complete encirclement.
National Guard demining teams have surveyed and cleared 24,708 hectares of territory, checked 898 kilometers of roads, and neutralized or destroyed 36,430 explosive devices. Over its 11-year history, more than 9,000 National Guard service members have received Ukrainian state awards, with 48 being honored with the title of Hero of Ukraine. According to sociological research, 82% of citizens express trust in the National Guard.
General Oleksandr Pivnenko, born on February 21, 1986, has commanded the National Guard of Ukraine since July 2023. He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine in March 2022 for his distinguished service. Today, the National Guard continues to perform vital national defense tasks, increasingly utilizing modern technologies like unmanned systems to enhance operational effectiveness.
The observance of National Guard Day highlights this formation's essential role in ensuring the nation's security and defense. In the context of ongoing military conflicts, particularly the full-scale invasion, the National Guard's functions have taken on heightened significance. The growing public trust in the unit reflects its demonstrated effectiveness and professionalism on the battlefield and in domestic security.
As the National Guard commemorates its vital role in Ukraine's defense, the Kyiv Metro has also marked this occasion by launching a special train. This initiative coincides with the formation of new drone and air defense units, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance national security. To learn more about these developments and their significance, visit the special train launch.