"I'm addressing the retired officers – those who, after time in service, have retired with pension provision from the state, housing and benefits and who are enjoying a well-deserved rest period. You have passed the tour of duty, gained the experience that our army needs. I am asking you to look up to volunteer fighters. We have already managed to form an army that is twice the size due to volunteer fighters. And our fight continues because our independence is still under threat," Poltorak wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoPoroshenko congratulates Ukrainian defenders, tells how many soldiers killed in DonbasThe minister says that the country and the army need the experience and knowledge of such officers.
Read alsoUkraine celebrating Volunteer Fighter Day for 1st time"If your age and health permit, I urge you to return to the Armed Forces, as we need your experience and knowledge. We are waiting for you to join in the hard times in the country," Poltorak said.
On March 14, 2017, Ukraine marked Ukrainian Volunteer Fighters Day for the first time. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said that over 100,000 military volunteers had been accepted to service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of Russian aggression.
