President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the territorial defense fighters for their bravery and achievements in battles, handing them state awards. He announced this via Telegram.

«Today we honor all soldiers, sergeants, and officers of the Ukrainian territorial defense who have truly demonstrated their commitment to protecting our country, our independence, and our communities», - noted the president.

According to him, «the concept of territorial defense is about a genuine, nationwide protection of the state from external threats. After the onset of the full-scale invasion, this concept helped unite Ukrainians».

«On the Day of Territorial Defense, I have the honor to award our warriors from the Territorial Defense Units and express gratitude. Thank you for fighting for Ukraine, protecting your positions and comrades, and thank you for your real results in battles. This truly matters», - emphasized the President.

As reported on the president's website, according to Zelensky, the territorial defense has become a powerful factor in uniting the nation after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, as over 100,000 Ukrainians joined the Territorial Defense Forces within the first month of the war.

«Currently, 25 brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine are operating alongside other components of our Defense and Security Forces. The brigades and battalions of the Territorial Defense are engaged in combat on the front lines, significantly assisting in battles at the border, and are involved in protecting critical directions. 46 warriors of the Territorial Defense Forces have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, and thousands have received various state awards», - informed the head of state.

Zelensky noted that the outcomes of each defender's efforts impact the lives and successes of Ukraine, and it is essential to remember the price of protection in war.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes.

The President awarded the «Cross of Military Merit» to Sergeant Yevhen Tsursky, who has defended the Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv regions since the first days of the full-scale war and participated in the liberation and stabilization efforts in the Kherson region.

Since June of this year, he has been performing combat missions in the Zaporizhzhia region, where on July 23, one of the largest offensives of Russian troops in this direction occurred: nearly 50 invaders supported by heavy equipment.

The position held by Tsursky was attacked by over 10 Russians on motorcycles and cars with support from a combat armored vehicle. Thanks to his actions, the offensive was halted, and all Russian invaders were eliminated.

In the same month, despite being wounded, he carried his injured comrade two kilometers to a medical evacuation point, as the comrade could not move independently.

The head of state also honored defenders with orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi III degree and «For Courage» II, III degrees.