Zelenskyy approves decision to establish Naval Academy in Odesa

During a visit to Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the decision to establish a Naval Academy in the city. The announcement was made on the eve of Ukrainian Navy Day, which falls on 5 July this year.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the academy is necessary for the future of Ukraine's Naval Forces and for the future of Odesa. "Today, on the occasion of this year's Ukrainian Navy Day – and as a sign of respect and gratitude to our Naval Forces – I have made a decision for the future of Ukraine's Naval Forces and for the future of our Odesa. The decision to establish our own strong new Naval Academy in Odesa," he said. He added that they have the capacity to make it happen and that cadets and young people have the desire to serve and defend Ukraine.

During the visit, Zelenskyy also honored service members defending Ukraine as part of the Naval Forces and presented a battle flag and ribbons "For Courage and Bravery" to Naval Forces units. He stated that the Ukrainian Navy, together with other branches of defense and security forces, has achieved what many believed was impossible. "Russia has lost the Black Sea. Beginning with the liberation of Zmiinyi [Snake] Island and continuing through our operations against the Russian fleet, ports, and the occupying forces in our Crimea, we keep proving that this region – the Black Sea region and the Sea of Azov region – will never be a place of peace and quiet for Russia," Zelenskyy said.