At the main command post of the 19th Army Corps in Kramatorsk, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi received briefings from the commanders: Brigadier General Oleksandr Bakulin of the 19th Corps and Brigadier General Serhii Sirchenko of the 11th Corps.
Oleksandr Bakulin and Serhii Sirchenko reported on the operational situation across the directions and the defense of Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka. According to the commanders, the Russian invaders have been tasked with occupying these cities by the start of summer.
The Head of State held separate discussions on steps necessary to protect the Slovyansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration with the commanders of all brigades of both corps: the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Konstanty Ostrogski, the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo, the 93rd Separate Mechanized Kholodny Yar Brigade, the 156th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 44th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Mariupol Brigade, the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi, the 109th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, the 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, the 4th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, and the 18th Sloviansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Brigade commanders outlined needs for additional funding for drones and armored vehicles. They also discussed increasing the effectiveness of artillery and counter-battery operations, supplying long-range shells, and personnel replenishment. The President noted that all raised issues will be addressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also met with the warriors defending Ukraine within the units of the 11th and 19th Army Corps, thanked them for their service, and presented state awards.
“Take care of yourselves, and please take care of your brothers-in-arms. This is very important. Life is the most valuable thing. And as you very well know, people are above all else for us today. Thank you once again for your service. I wish you all peace and victory. I believe we all want this, we all expect it, and we deserve it,” the President concluded.
