Zelensky visits Donetsk region, awards soldiers who fought in Bakhmut sector

This was reported by the Office of Ukraine’s President.

During the visit, Zelenskyy spoke with the commander of the Khortytsia Joint Task Force, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, about the current situation in the Bakhmut sector and the prospects for its development. The President also spoke with the servicemen and presented them with state awards.

"Dear heroes, it is an honour to be here today and, first of all, to thank you for defending our state, sovereignty, our families, children, and our native Ukraine. I want to thank you, award all of you and shake hands with great gratitude to you, your families, your parents for having you," Zelenskyy said.

He also wished the soldiers health and victory. In addition, he noted that Ukraine is proud of each of them, and everyone in the country understands that they are doing the most difficult job.

"Ukraine is proud of each of you. You are cool and strong. You are our true Ukrainians. And everyone in the country who is not at the front is well aware that you are doing the most difficult job today. And everyone knows that the eastern direction is very difficult and dangerous. That is why I am confident that you will make a great contribution to the future victory," the President stressed.

Zelenskyy also awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the Golden Star to Captain Oleh Olyva, commander of the airmobile company of the 81st Airborne Brigade. During his military service, he and his subordinates targeted dozens of Russian vehicles and more than a hundred enemy soldiers. Olyva also repeatedly refused to be hospitalised after being wounded and remained on the battlefield with his comrades.