At the command and observation post of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko, and at the command post of the 57th Brigade, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the warriors defending Ukraine in the Vovchansk sector and heard reports from their commanders.
Commander of the Kharkiv Operational Tactical Group Mykhailo Solimchuk, brigade commander Yevhen Solodaiev, and battalion commander Serhii Suprun reported on the defense of Vovchansk, the fighting for the aggregate plant and other positions, the recent dynamics of the battles, and the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war against Ukraine.
The President thanked the warriors and their brothers-in-arms for holding the Vovchansk direction and presented them with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd class, the Orders “For Courage,” 3rd class, and the Medals “For Military Service to Ukraine.”
“Thank you for fighting, for serving your state and the Ukrainian people. Thank you for your service, for respecting those beside you and protecting them. Thank you for defending our country. It’s incredibly difficult – I don’t think anyone can fully grasp just how hard it is. It is an honor for me to be here today, in your brigade, to shake your hands and present these awards personally,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He discussed with battalion commanders the use of different types of drones on the battlefield, the supply of drones – including through direct funding of brigades – and the recruitment of volunteers under the “18–24 Contract” initiative.
The servicemen spoke about the current needs of their units and proposed their own solutions to pressing issues. The Head of State emphasized that all the issues raised will be addressed.
