Defenders Day: Ukraine ambassador to Kenya praises troops, bilateral ties with Nairobi

The Ukrainian Embassy in Kenya joined Ukrainian communities worldwide in commemorating the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin and Ukraine’s Defenders Day. Events included solidarity gatherings, memorial evenings, symbolic ceremonies, and cultural activities honouring those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom.

“This day honours all those who have defended and continue to defend Ukraine: fallen soldiers, active service members of all branches, veterans, participants of Ukraine’s historic liberation movements, military medics, law enforcement, border guards, and defence-sector workers,” Tokar said.

The holiday, first declared in 2014 by then-President Petro Poroshenko to replace the Soviet-era Defender of the Fatherland Day, became a national holiday in 2015. It is observed annually on October 1, coinciding with the Orthodox celebration of the Protection of the Holy Virgin.

Ambassador Tokar described the day as a time for the nation to pause and honour its warriors: “It connects our present-day heroes with a proud historical tradition, from the Cossack era to the fighters of today. Their valour on the battlefield is the unbreakable spirit that has defined our resistance.”

He paid tribute to soldiers, volunteers, medics, and civilians who have risked or lost their lives in the war. “Every life lost is a wound on the heart of Ukraine,” he said. “Their sacrifice is not just for our freedom, but for the fundamental principles of international law, peace, and democracy everywhere.”

Tokar also praised Kenya’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting recent high-level consultations between the two countries’ foreign affairs ministries.

“Kenya’s principled position aligns with the non-negotiable obligation of all countries to comply with the UN Charter. We appreciate Kenya’s role in global peace efforts and thank President Ruto for being at the forefront in advocating for an end to this unnecessary war,” he said.

He noted that bilateral relations have continued to expand, with Kenya being one of the few African members of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Kenya has also benefited from Ukraine’s grain shipments under initiatives aimed at stabilising global food markets.

“Our relationship with Kenya is one of mutual respect and shared principles,” Tokar added. “Even as we defend our homeland, we are committed to deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, and technology. Kenya’s solidarity is a powerful testament that this struggle for freedom resonates far beyond Europe.”