President's Meeting with Ukrainian Defenders in Donetsk Region
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with military personnel actively participating in the counteroffensive operations in the Donetsk region. He expressed gratitude for their courage and presented state awards to the defenders.
The soldiers are conducting a counteroffensive in the Pokrovsk and Dobropillya areas. Despite fierce battles, Ukrainian defenders are inflicting significant losses on the enemy, hindering their offensive capabilities.
The President listened to the report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, regarding the progress of the operations, the overall situation on the front, and future plans. Since the operation began, Ukrainian forces have liberated 160 square kilometers and seven settlements, with an additional 170 square kilometers and nine settlements cleared of occupiers. Nearly one hundred Russian invaders have also been captured. In recent weeks, the enemy casualties in this sector have exceeded 2500, with more than 1300 killed.
In recognition of the achievements during these weeks, the President awarded the soldiers with the “Cross of Military Merit,” the orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of I–III degrees, “For Courage” of II and III degrees, as well as the Order of Princess Olga of III degree.
“I am aware of your initiatives. The Commander-in-Chief has reported the details to me multiple times. I have seen your comrades myself. I want to thank you for your resilience. You truly set an example for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, for all our defenders. I am grateful for your bravery. I would also like to thank your families for their support. I wish you all health and strength,” said the President.
The head of state, together with the present defenders, honored the memory of their fallen comrades with a moment of silence.
