On July 5, 2014, the Ukrainian military freed Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas from Russian-led invaders and once again hoisted a Ukrainian flag over the city.
On the same day, at 13:00 Kyiv time, a reconnaissance unit with the 2nd Battalion of the National Guard hoisted the Ukrainian flag over the City Council in the city of Sloviansk. At about the same time, the advanced forces of the National Guard entered Kramatorsk.
According to ProZakhid, for the first time, the day of the liberation of the said cities was celebrated at the state level back in 2016.
The video address on the occasion of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk Liberation Day was published by the Joint Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, on the JFO HQ Facebook page.
“Dear people of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk!
On behalf of the Command of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and me personally, please, accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the liberation of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk from the Russian occupation forces. July 5, 2014, is a heroic date in the recent history of Ukraine.
Unfortunately, many of our comrades-in-arms perished in the battles of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. So let us bow to the Heroes for their feat and express our sincere condolences to their families and friends. Dear friends, it’s from this day that peaceful life returned to your cities as you felt you were free citizens of Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine! Together, we will win!” Serhiy Naiev said his address.
