President Zelenskyy Honors National Guard Twelfth Anniversary Citing Elite Units and Strategic Defense Successes

President Zelenskyy praises the National Guard’s role in Donetsk and Kharkiv on its 12th anniversary, citing elite units and high-tech defense.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 6:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Interfax-Ukraine

A Pillar of the National Defense Architecture

The National Guard has transformed into a fundamental component of the Ukrainian military structure, according to a formal greeting issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Marking the twelfth year since the organization's modern establishment, the President emphasized that the Guard now serves as a key element in both defensive and active operations across the entire theater of war. Zelenskyy expressed professional pride in the personnel who maintain the country’s security within these specific ranks, noting that their strength is a primary deterrent against ongoing aggression.

Distinction of Elite Combat Formations

In his address, the President specifically named several high-profile units that have earned international recognition for their performance on the battlefield. Formations such as Azov and Khartia were cited as examples of units that execute complex combat missions with professional dignity. By naming these specific groups, the Ukrainian leadership highlighted the internal prestige associated with the National Guard’s specialized wings, which have transitioned from internal security roles to high-intensity frontline combat since the escalation of hostilities.

Strategic Deployments in Critical Sectors

The geographical reach of the National Guard currently spans the most contested regions of eastern and northeastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted that the First Corps is presently operating alongside other defense forces in the Pokrovsk-Ocheretyne direction within the Donetsk region, which remains one of the most difficult sectors of the front. Simultaneously, the Second Corps is executing critical tasks in the Kharkiv region. These deployments illustrate the strategic flexibility of the Guard, as it maintains a heavy presence in areas where Russian pressure is most acute.