Congratulations on completing your studies! Unfortunately, your service begins in difficult times as Ukraine continues its heroic struggle for independence and territorial integrity. Therefore, remain loyal to the Oath, do not stop at what you have achieved, and overcome every challenge and trial. We believe that each of you will fulfill your duty with honor.
A solemn ceremony of awarding officer epaulets and diplomas to graduates who will soon serve in Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies took place at the National Academy of Internal Affairs.
The diploma award ceremony was attended by the Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Ivan Vyhivskyi, and Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine on Veteran Policy, Hero of Ukraine, Dmytro Finashin.
“Today, Ukraine needs strong, determined, and dedicated defenders of law and order. I am confident that you will justify the trust placed in you and fulfill your duty to the people with honor. I want to address each of you: remember that a true police officer is not just a professional but a person of honor, justice, and courage. Your decisions and actions will shape the future of society, so let law, justice, and conscience always be your guiding principles,” said Ruslan Serbin, Rector of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, addressing the graduates.
The Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Ivan Vyhivskyi, also congratulated the young officers:
“Today, you complete an important stage in your life and transition to the realities of service. This is not just about receiving a diploma; it is the moment you become part of a large law enforcement community entrusted with great expectations. Ukraine needs you—responsible, brave, and dedicated to protecting people. You are the future of the National Police, and our country’s tomorrow depends on your professionalism, principles, and honor.”
Academy graduate Lieutenant Pavlo Gohuli spoke with gratitude and pride before his friends, who are now his colleagues. His father had defended the country since the first days of the full-scale invasion and was killed in May 2024 while performing a combat mission in the Kupiansk direction.
The Head of the National Police of Ukraine also congratulated National Academy of Internal Affairs officers on their new special ranks: Major of Police epaulets were awarded to Svitlana Shubina, Captain of Police epaulets to Oleksii Kolodii and Yan Tabachnikov. Additionally, for their dedicated service, Lieutenant Colonels of Police Aliona Lukashenko and Vitalii Ratoshniuk, Major of Police Mykola Tsytskun, Captain of Police Borys Dubyna, and Senior Lieutenant of Police Dariia Horbenko were awarded the National Police’s honorary badge “Sign of Honor.”
Graduates Viktoriia Bazir, Kateryna Voitenko, and Tetiana Horobets received laureate diplomas of the Denys Monastyrskyi Scholarship from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for significant academic achievements.
As per tradition, graduates bid farewell to the Academy’s flag and initiated a new custom—presenting the National Academy of Internal Affairs with a flag signed by all graduates as a token of gratitude and remembrance of their years of study. Another flag, bearing wishes, was handed over to the Head of the National Police for one of the combat units within the Ministry of Internal Affairs system.
On March 14, for the fourth time during the full-scale war, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs also released young officers who will serve in National Police units.
These young and motivated lieutenants will soon begin service in practical units of the National Police Headquarters across almost all regions of Ukraine. Most of them will be deployed to the east and south to maintain law and order, assist people in border, frontline, and de-occupied territories, identify saboteurs, collaborators, and accomplices of the Russian aggressor, and ensure public safety in Ukraine’s cities and villages. They will stand for the country’s interests, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
“Be strong and unbreakable, love your homeland, your land, and your people, and believe unconditionally in our Victory—bringing it closer with your diligent service! Serve in a way that earns you the respect of the people and the protection of God,” said University Rector Valerii Sokurenko to the graduates.
The graduates bid farewell to the University’s Flag—a symbol of honor, valor, bravery, and the institution’s traditions.
At the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, young rescuers also graduated. From now on, they will bear great responsibility for the safety and lives of citizens, applying their acquired knowledge and skills in practice.
Addressing the graduates, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Andrii Danyk, noted:
“You have made an important choice—to dedicate yourselves to serving people. Your profession requires great courage and bravery. Today, you become part of a large family of rescuers. Let your dedication serve as an example for future generations!”
A particularly moving moment was the farewell ceremony with the University’s Flag, symbolizing the completion of studies and the beginning of a new life path for young lieutenants.
“Your graduation is not just a ceremonial event. From today, you are ready to fulfill your honorable mission—saving lives and helping people in the most challenging situations. I am confident that you will carry the title of a graduate of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine with honor,” noted University Rector Ihor Tolok.
Graduates from the faculties of training specialists for pre-trial investigation, preventive activities, and criminal police units also completed their studies at Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs.
University Rector Serhii Vitvytskyi congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that the university takes pride in its cadets—brave, honest, and principled defenders of law and order:
“You have chosen a difficult but honorable path that requires responsibility and self-sacrifice. Stay loyal to the Oath, protect justice, and remember that you are the face of the law and a pillar of society.”
For diligent service, high academic achievements, participation in youth and sports projects, active civic engagement, initiative, and perseverance, the best graduates received the Denys Monastyrskyi Scholarship diploma, letters of appreciation from the Head of Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration, Kropyvnytskyi City Council, the National Police Headquarters in Kirovohrad region, and University Rector Serhii Vitvytskyi.
Graduates of Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs also received higher education diplomas. The event was attended by university leadership and honored guests.
DSUIA Rector, Police Colonel Oleksandr Morhunov, congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their future service. The attendees honored the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine with a moment of silence and by laying flowers at the Memorial.
First Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Maksym Tsutskiridze, awarded diplomas with honors to the best graduates. Denys Monastyrskyi Scholarship laureates were also recognized for their academic and scientific achievements.
At the conclusion of the event, the university anthem was performed, and the graduates received words of guidance and wishes for success in their service for the benefit of Ukraine.
The cadets of Lviv State University of Internal Affairs received their police lieutenant epaulets and diplomas upon graduation. Soon, these young men and women will continue their service in the criminal police, investigative units, and preventive activities, reinforcing the ranks of police officers across various regions of Ukraine.
The police lieutenant epaulets and bachelor’s diplomas with honors were presented to outstanding graduates by the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine, Vadym Dziubynskyi, and the Rector of Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Police Colonel Dmytro Shvets.
Additionally, for their high academic achievements, this year’s graduates, Yuliana Litvinova and Ostap Derkach, were awarded scholarships from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine named after Denys Monastyrskyi.
Addressing the young officers, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine, Vadym Dziubynskyi, shared his guidance:
“Today, you join the ranks of courageous law enforcement officers who stand guard over the law every day, committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Unfortunately, your service begins in turbulent times, as Ukraine continues its heroic struggle for independence and territorial integrity. Stay true to your oath, do not retreat in the face of challenges, but overcome them with dignity. We sincerely believe in each of you and take great pride in your achievements.”
A veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a fighter of the special-purpose rifle battalion KORD, Police Lieutenant Andrii Samboruk, wished the graduates perseverance and courage in reaching new heights.
The Rector of Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Police Colonel Dmytro Shvets, congratulated the young officers:
“On behalf of the entire university community and myself, I congratulate you on this significant event—the attainment of the rank of police lieutenant. I wish you to serve Ukraine with honor, grow professionally, and achieve success in life. Be an example of patriotism, bravery, determination, and self-discipline.”
At the end of the ceremony, a farewell to the university flag also took place. The honorable right to bid farewell to the flag on behalf of the young officers was granted to Police Lieutenant Andrii Berezhniuk.
Meanwhile, the graduation of civil protection service lieutenants took place at Lviv State University of Life Safety. This day marked an important milestone in the lives of young officers who are ready to dedicate themselves to safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety.
Among the guests of the event were the First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, representatives of the authorities, rescue services, and others who congratulated the graduates, wished them success in their future service, and emphasized the importance of the rescuer’s profession during wartime.
“I am sincerely pleased to welcome you—graduates of the Lviv State University of Life Safety—who are always recognized as true professionals in the field of security. Tomorrow, you will begin fulfilling your official duties, and I wish you success in your professional career!” said the First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, in his address to the graduates.
As part of the ceremony, the best cadets and university staff were honored with awards for their diligence, outstanding achievements, and contributions to the development of the higher education institution.
“I am delighted that for the past four years, you have been part of the great family of the Lviv State University of Life Safety. Here, you gained knowledge, strengthened your character, and became the professionals who will save lives every day!” noted the university’s rector, Major General of the Civil Protection Service Dmytro Bodnar.
These young men and women symbolize courage, knowledge, and honor. Challenges lie ahead, but they are ready to overcome any obstacles for the safety of people and a country fighting for its future.
Graduates of Odesa State University of Internal Affairs also joined the large family of the National Police of Ukraine. The graduation of police officers is not just the completion of studies; it marks the beginning of a new life journey filled with honor, dignity, and dedicated service to the Ukrainian people.
The graduates received their higher education diplomas from distinguished guests, including the Head of the Department for Combating Drug-Related Crimes of the National Police of Ukraine, Police Colonel Dmytro Torgalo, and the Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Region, Police Colonel Ivan Zhuk.
“Graduating from Odesa State University of Internal Affairs is not just about obtaining an education; it is a conscious choice to become a defender of law and order. Every citizen, your family, and our country rely on you. The future of our nation depends on your confidence and determination. We believe in you, and all of Ukraine believes in you,” said Police Colonel Dmytro Torgalo, addressing the young officers.
Speaking to the graduates, the university’s rector, Police Colonel Viacheslav Davydenko, emphasized that each of them bears great responsibility for the lives, health, and safety of Ukrainians.
“I am convinced that under any circumstances, you will remain loyal to your oath, uphold truth, kindness, and justice, and make your parents proud. Your achievements are a result of their hard work, care, and love. Step by step, they have walked this path with you, supporting and guiding you toward your chosen goal. Be worthy of your Homeland and the heroic deeds of those who gave their lives fighting for Ukraine’s freedom! We believe in you and in our Victory,” concluded the university’s rector.
For outstanding academic achievements, the best graduates, Denys Sorokin and Andrii Kravchenko, were awarded the Denys Monastyrskyi Scholarship by order of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
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