NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, on Wednesday praised Ukraine’s armed forces in a video message to celebrate the country’s independence day, exactly six months after the Russian invasion began.

The NATO chief said he paid tribute “to all those who had lost their lives or been injured and to all Ukrainian men and women who are fighting for their country, their freedom and their loved ones.”

“You can continue to count on NATO’s support for as long as it takes,” he said, repeating again his belief that Russia must not succeed in the invasion of Ukraine.

“Ukraine must prevail and Ukraine will prevail,” Stoltenberg said.

“On your independence day I wish you strength and success,” he added.