On May 29, Ukrainians mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Ukraine has actively participated in the UN peacekeeping activities since the very first years of its independence. It has become a significant troop-contributing country, as well as a staunch supporter of the UN peacekeeping operations. Since its independence more than 34 000 Ukrainian “blue helmets” have participated in over 20 operations under UN auspices, bringing peace and security to war-torn regions.
The geography of Ukraine’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations and missions has covered Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, East Timor, Georgia, Guatemala, Tajikistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and other countries. Besides, through those years Ukraine provided its air lift services for conducting the UN humanitarian operations in Africa.
On Monday, Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s foreign minister congratulated the Ukrainian peackeepers onm their professional holiday.
‘Your courage and selflessness in making and maintaining peace are highly appreciated by all UN member countries. In conditions of conflicts growing across the globe, peacekeeping operations are the effective tool to prevent armed confrontations and to bring people back to normal life. As you serve in extremely dangerous conditions of UN peacekeeping operations, you gain this valuable experience, which is vital in this decisive period of our country’s history. The world remembers and recognizes the heroes who gave up their lives for peaceful co-existence. I am proud Ukraine and Ukrainians have been an inseparable part of UN efforts to maintain peace and security worldwide,’ he said.
The minister wished Ukrainian peacekeepers sound health, courage and resilience in their noble international mission.
