Honoring the Heroes of Territorial Defense
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed heartfelt thanks to the soldiers of the territorial defense for their contributions to the protection of Ukraine and awarded them state honors. He announced this via Telegram.
«Today we thank all the fighters who have shown heroism in defending our country, its independence, and its citizens», - stated the President.
Zelensky emphasized that «the concept of territorial defense lies in a true popular defense against external threats. After the onset of full-scale aggression, this idea became the foundation of Ukrainian unity».
«It is a great honor for me to recognize our defenders of the Territorial Defense Forces with state awards and to express my gratitude. Thank you for fighting for Ukraine, protecting your comrades, and for real results in battle. This truly matters», - stressed Zelensky.
According to the president's website, in the first month of the war, over 100,000 Ukrainians joined the Territorial Defense Forces, which helped unify the nation.
«Currently, 25 brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine are actively working alongside other components of our security forces. They are fighting on the front lines and participating in critical operations», - he added.
Zelensky also noted that «the achievements of each soldier are significant, as they determine the lives of people and the future of Ukraine».
The heroes who fell for Ukraine were honored with a moment of silence.
The President awarded the «Cross for Military Merit» to Sergeant Yevhen Tsursky, who has defended the Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv regions since the first days of the full-scale war and participated in stabilization efforts in Kherson.
Since June, he has been fulfilling combat assignments in the Zaporizhzhia region, where on July 23, one of the largest assaults by Russian forces occurred.
The position where Tsursky was located was attacked by over 10 enemies on motorcycles, but thanks to his leadership, the assault was halted.
In the same month, despite being wounded, he carried his injured comrade two kilometers to a medical evacuation point.
The President also recognized defenders with the orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi and «For Bravery».
