The Ukrainian Armed Forces will now always be a priority for the state, and the military are rightly becoming the elite of society, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said.

"Ukrainian troops now and forever will be the subject of priority attention from the state," he said at events to mark the Day of Knowledge at Kyiv Bohun Military Lyceum on Monday.

Poroshenko said that those who serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces "are rightly regaining the status of the elite of society."

"For the first time since Ukraine's independence Ukrainian military have become the object of love, support and pride of the whole nation. I know that such solidarity is spreading wings, giving confidence and courage," he said.