Supporting those who defend Ukraine and the families who stand beside them is a meaningful way to show ВДЯЧНІСТЬ (gratitude), ПОВАГА (respect), and СОЛІДАРНІСТЬ (solidarity). 

Every word, gesture, or small act can have a real impact, whether it’s a soldier on duty, a veteran adjusting to life after service, or a loved one coping with the loss of someone who sacrificed everything for their country.

This article offers polite ways to show support to Ukrainian military and their families, including common greetings, words of gratitude, and phrases for expressing empathy and understanding. You’ll also learn what to avoid, so your words never unintentionally hurt or diminish someone’s experience.

Take your time to listen, repeat, and practice expressions to greet, thank, and support Ukrainian servicemen, veterans, and their families.

Ukraine needs your support more than ever. Here is our list of Ukrainian phrases to express support to your relatives and friends from Ukraine!

Greetings

Greetings carry deep meaning in Ukraine, especially to show support to Ukrainian military. These expressions reflect national pride (ГОРДІСТЬ), gratitude (ВДЯЧНІСТЬ), and respect (ПОВАГА) for those defending the country.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common greetings you may hear and use in this context.

Слава Україні! – Glory to Ukraine!

This iconic greeting is widely used in everyday speech, at public events, and especially when addressing servicemen.

Героям Слава! – Glory to Heroes!

This is the traditional response to “Слава Україні!”, emphasizing collective respect for past and present heroes.

Вітаю, воїне (воїни)! – Greetings, warrior (warriors)!

A respectful and personal way to address servicemen or groups of soldiers directly.

In response, servicemen may say: “Бажаю здоров’я!” – literally, “Wishing you health!” which is a traditional military form of courteous reply.

Check out the most common and universal Ukrainian greetings to say in any context!

Words of gratitude

Expressing gratitude to servicemen and veterans is one of the most important ways civilians can show respect. These words remind soldiers that their efforts are valued, and their sacrifices are not taken for granted. 

Дякую за службу! – Thank you for your service!

Дякую за захист! – Thank you for the protection (defense)!

Дякую за те, що ви робите! – Thank you for what you do!

Here are also slightly more formal ways to convey gratitude. The phrasing is a bit longer and may be slightly more challenging to pronounce.

In the examples below, you will see both the formal/plural form ВИ and the informal ТИ (in the brackets). Use ТИ only if you know the person well.

In Ukrainian Lessons Podcast Episode 2, you will learn how to greet and say goodbye formally and learn Ukrainian pronouns with a song!

Велика вдячність вам (тобі)! – Many thanks to you!

Захоплююся вашою (твоєю) сміливістю і самовідданістю. – I admire your courage and dedication.

Моя (безмежна) повага. – My (deep) respect.

There are many alternatives to say “thank you” that will impress native speakers. Find out 8 ways to say “thank you” in Ukrainian with audio!

Appropriate Questions for Servicemen and Veterans

It is important to approach servicemen and veterans with sensitivity and respect. Remember that not everyone may feel comfortable with physical contact such as handshakes or hugs, so it is always best to first ask whether they would like that kind of greeting. 

The same applies to offering help – instead of assuming, take a moment to check whether and how assistance is needed.

Як ви (ти)? – How are you?

Чи потрібна вам (тобі) якась допомога? – Do you need any help?

Як можна вам (тобі) допомогти? – How can I help you?

Можу я потиснути вам (тобі) руку? – May I shake your hand?

One of the most meaningful and reliable ways to support the Ukrainian military is through financial donations. If you meet a soldier or veteran, a thoughtful question could be whether they have an active fundraiser you can contribute to. 

Який актуальний збір я можу підтримати? – What current fundraiser can I support?

Ukraine urgently needs assistance from all over the world. This guide highlights 6 ways to help Ukraine in the war zones and abroad.

Words of Support for Servicemen

When speaking with servicemen, it is important to let them set the pace of the conversation. Do not rush them or press for details. 

Instead, show that you are on their side and willing to listen. Simple, empathetic words, such as ТАК (уes), УГУ (mm-hm), or СПІВЧУВАЮ (I sympathize) demonstrate support without overwhelming them.

Я не можу уявити, що ви пережили (ти пережив / пережила). – I cannot imagine what you have been through.

This phrase acknowledges the depth of a soldier’s experience while respecting its uniqueness. It avoids assumptions about understanding something only they know firsthand. 

By contrast, saying Я МОЖУ УЯВИТИ (I can imagine) is generally accepted only from those who also have direct war experience.

Я поруч. – I am beside you.

Я тут. – I am here.

Я з вами (тобою). – I am with you.

These short phrases emphasize presence, solidarity, and reliability, assuring the servicemen that they are not alone, that someone is standing beside him.

Я вас (тебе) завжди підтримаю. – I will always support you.

Ви (Ти) завжди можете (можеш) до мене звернутися. – You can always ask me.

Можете (Можеш) розраховувати на мою підтримку. – You can count on my support.

Я буду радий / рада вам (тобі) допомогти, як зможу. – I will be happy to help you in any way I can.

These phrases reassure servicemen that practical support is not conditional or temporary, but something they can count on whenever needed. 

Explore the common and easy ways to apologize respectfully in Ukrainian (with audio by native speakers)!

Words of Support for the Families of the Fallen

Many of the phrases we discussed in the previous section are also relevant when addressing the families of servicemen. 

Yet, in this case, the tragedy of loss requires deeper sensitivity and acknowledgment of grief. The words you choose should express genuine sorrow and solidarity with the family.

Мені надзвичайно шкода! – I am deeply sorry!

Прийміть (Прийми) мої співчуття. – Please accept my condolences.

Дуже співчуваю вашій (твоїй) втраті. – I am truly sorry for your loss.

Я навіть не уявляю, який біль ви (ти) зараз витримуєте (витримуєш). – I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through.

Episode 215 of the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast focuses on how to name and express emotions like anger, helplessness, and despair, experienced during a war, in easy-to-follow Ukrainian.

Along with words of sympathy, it is important to honor the memory of the fallen. In Ukraine, people often say:

Вічна пам’ять захиснику (захисниці) України! – Eternal memory to the defender of Ukraine!

Вічна шана і честь! – Eternal honor and respect!

Честь і слава герою! – Honor and glory to the hero!

When it comes to offering help, families of the fallen may be too polite to ask, or too overwhelmed by sorrow to even consider what they need. 

In such cases, proactive and concrete suggestions (bringing groceries, cooking a meal, taking children for a walk) are more effective than vague offers. For example:

Як я можу підтримати вас (тебе)? – How can I support you?

Я можу допомогти з … (+ Instrumental case) (покупками, прибиранням). – I can help with … (shopping, cleaning). 

Ви (Ти) не проти, якщо я буду телефонувати вам (тобі) раз на тиждень? – Do you mind if I call you once a week?

Learn how to ask for help in Ukrainian: useful expressions for different situations with audio!

Avoid these expressions

It is crucial to remain mindful of how words can unintentionally hurt rather than help. 

Phrases that seem casual or comforting, such as implying relief that someone survived (“Thank God you weren’t killed”) or urging them to stop thinking about the war and just move on, are inappropriate, especially since many servicemen have lost comrades and may have survivor’s guilt.

Similarly, claims of understanding their experience (“I understand you”) can come across as dismissive, as no civilian can fully know the personal impact of combat.

Certain common expressions often meant to console can unintentionally minimize grief, e.g.:

❌ Я тебе розумію. – I understand you.

❌ Я знаю, що ти відчуваєш. – I know how you feel. 

❌ Все буде добре! – Everything will be fine!

❌ Час лікує. – Time heals.

❌ Герої не вмирають! – Heroes never die!

Advising someone that it’s time to “let go” of their lost loved one, praising them for “being strong” or “handling themselves well” can also feel intrusive. 

Even well-intentioned help with household tasks must respect personal boundaries; going through the deceased’s belongings or instructing someone to hide or discard them is unacceptable.

The foundational rules when communicating with someone in grief are respect, caution, and intervention only where absolutely needed. Sensitivity and careful attention to boundaries are far more valuable than any words meant to motivate or “cheer up” the person.

***

Keep learning and practicing! Check out our blog posts in the Phrases category and the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast to hear native speakers and discover cultural insights that will help you communicate respectfully and naturally in Ukrainian.