Today is the Day of the National Guard of Ukraine: the role of the National Guard in repelling Russian aggression

Today, March 26, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the National Guard, UNN reports.

The event was launched by a presidential decree in 2015.

The formation of the National Guard of Ukraine began in 1991 on the basis of former units of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the ussr. A law was passed stipulating that the role of the National Guard of Ukraine was to protect the inviolability of the country and to guard the state borders. In addition, the formation was tasked with eliminating the consequences of natural disasters and accidents.

In 1999, the National Guard became subordinate to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, but the following year it was completely disbanded.

The revival of the National Guard took place in the spring of 2014, when the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the relevant law.

According to the document, the National Guard is part of the structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The maximum number of servicemen who can be part of the National Guard is 60 thousand.

During the ATO/JFO, about 200 National Guardsmen were killed and more than 800 were seriously injured. Awards for heroism and courage were presented to 4,000 servicemen, including 100 National Guardsmen who received posthumous state awards.

Since February 24, 2022, the National Guard has been actively involved in repelling Russian aggression.

National Guard units fought the enemy in Kyiv, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions, liberating Balakliya, Izyum, Kozacha Lopan, Bilohorivka, and the right bank of the Kherson region.

The legendary Azov regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine took part in the heroic defense of Mariupol to the last.

In the winter of 2023, the NGU units became the basis for the formation of the "Offensive Guard".