This slick promotional video from the Armed Forces of Ukraine Strategic Communications (AFU StratCom) pays tribute to the missile troops and artillery that are on the frontline of fighting off the Russian invasion.
The Day of Missile Troops and Artillery is celebrated annually on November 3.
The celebration has taken place since 1997 for the soldiers known as the “gods of war” and it includes military units armed with tactical missiles, howitzers, cannons, and jet and anti-tank artillery. But it also includes Artillery reconnaissance, multiunit and anti-tank guided missile units.
They have been at the frontline of tackling the invasion by taking out enemy manpower and equipment and other important facilities and resources.
They have substantially increased their firepower since 2014 when at the time they had less than 200 rocket artillery mortar and anti-tank batteries and in the eight years since has more than doubled that.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhnyi congratulated the military on the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery.
He said: “Our gunners are the best in the world today. They have mastered most of the modern artillery systems in service in the leading countries, and skillfully use them. No one has such combat experience.
“Despite the enemy’s fire superiority, we give him a decent reply. We contrast our quality with their quantity.
“Thank you to the soldiers of the missile forces and artillery for their service! You save the blood of the infantry! You stop the enemy offensive and create conditions for the advance of our troops. You selflessly bring our victory closer.
“Congratulations on the professional holiday and I wish you all to return to your relatives alive and unharmed! he wrote on Facebook.”
In a statement obtained by newsflash from AFU StratCom they said: “Thank you to the soldiers of the missile troops and artillery for their service! You save the blood of the infantry! You stop the enemy offensive and create conditions for the advance of our troops. You selflessly bring our Victory closer.
“Artillerymen have always been the elite of the army and were distinguished by their organization, coordination, accuracy in calculations and accuracy of fire and strikes.
“Artillery soldiers of independent Ukraine worthily continued the struggle and the best military traditions of the artillerymen of the Zaporizhzhya Army and the artillerymen of the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. In terms of training, they are, without exaggeration, one of the best in the world.
“Today, the missile forces and artillery of Ukraine play a leading role in the fight against the Russian invaders. With their professionalism, devotion to military affairs and oath, missile and gunners increase the glorious national-historical traditions and strengthen the defence capability of Ukraine.
“In a long and tough fight against a strong and treacherous enemy, the artillerymen soldiers, with their determination and bravery, inscribed bright pages of valour and courage in the annals of national glory, and won the honour and respect of the people. Eternal glory and memory to the heroes who gave their lives in the battles for an independent and sovereign Ukraine.
“Dear servicemen and veterans of missile forces and artillery, thank you for conscientiously fulfilling your military duty! We wish you and your family good health, well-being, new achievements and victories in the name of the prosperity of Ukraine!
