In Donetsk, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with soldiers participating in counteroffensive operations, expressing gratitude for their contributions and awarding the defenders.

The military is conducting operations in the Pokrovsk and Dobripillia areas. Despite fierce fighting, Ukrainian defenders inflict significant losses on the enemy, preventing them from continuing their offensive.

The President received a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the progress of the counteroffensive, the overall operational situation on the front, and future plans. Since the start of the operation, Ukrainian forces have liberated 160 square kilometers and seven settlements, capturing nearly one hundred Russian soldiers. In recent weeks, Russian losses in this area have exceeded 2500 personnel, over 1300 of whom are confirmed killed.

For their achievements, the President awarded the soldiers with the “Cross of Military Merit,” orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of I–III degrees, “For Courage” of II and III degrees, as well as the Princess Olga III degree medal.

“I am aware of your efforts. The Commander-in-Chief has repeatedly reported to me about the situation. I have heard of your comrades in arms. I want to thank you for your resilience. You are truly an example for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and all our defenders. I am grateful for your courage. I also thank your families for their support. I wish you all health and resilience,” the President said.

The head of state, together with the present defenders, honored the memory of their fallen comrades with a moment of silence.