I congratulate our first responders, our civilian heroes, on their professional holiday. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine is a truly strong, courageous, and professional system that works, that is well organized, and that guarantees Ukrainians reliable protection. 56,000 professionals, including more than 10,000 women – these are people who care about what happens to others, and all of this truly is extraordinary service to goodness and humanity.

Since the start of the full-scale war, nearly a thousand first responders have been honored with Ukrainian state awards, and six first responders have been awarded the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine – two of them posthumously. I ask you to remember each and every one – all the first responders who gave their lives protecting the lives of others.

Thank you for saving lives and rescuing our people! Glory to Ukraine!