This is discussed in a message on the website of the head of state. It is noted that during the trip to the Donetsk region, Zelensky visited the positions of the Ukrainian military in the direction of Bakhmut. He listened to reports on the operational situation and the progress of hostilities in this sector of the front, and also met with military personnel and thanked them for the protection of Ukraine.
“I have the honor to be here today, in the east of our country, in Donbas, and to reward our heroes, to thank you, to shake hands. Thank you for defending the country, sovereignty, in the east of Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said while addressing the soldiers.
Those present honored the memory of the fallen defenders with a minute of silence.
Zelensky also presented state awards to military personnel. Artillery captain Ilya Vergun, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, was awarded the “Golden Star” by special order of the head of state.
Since February 24, 2022, he has been participating in the opposition against Russia’s armed aggression. During the liberation of the town of Trostjanets in the Sumy region, it was the anti-tank crews supervised by him who participated in the destruction of the enemy in the direction of Izjuma. Units under his command destroyed a large number of enemy equipment.
Heavy fighting has been going on in Bahmut for several months. The Ukrainian military bravely defends the fortified city despite constant attacks and bombardment of Ukrainian military positions by Russian invaders.
Zelensky also visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in hospital, where he presented awards for defending the country.
Some time ago, Zelensky and the leadership of the Ukrainian army decided that the Ukrainian armed forces would not leave the city for the time being. Today, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that US authorities support and fully trust the decision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect Bakhmut.
This is Zelensky’s second visit to Bakhmut. He made his first visit last year, just a day before his first foreign visit to the United States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
