President Volodymyr Zelensky visited military personnel at the command post of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine «Azov», which, along with adjacent units, is responsible for defense in the Dobropolye direction.

The head of state received reports from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskiy, the corps commander Denys Prokopenko, and the commander of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleg Apostol. The military reported on the ongoing operations to eliminate enemy positions in Dobropolye, securing and further defending Shakhove, and reinforcing the defense flanks of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad while protecting vital logistics routes. According to the military, the enemy continues attempts to regain positions in the Dobropolye area.

The President expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their service and awarded them state honors.

«I am honored to be here today to personally award you. Dear warriors, thank you for defending Ukraine and our territorial integrity. You serve in such an important direction. This is our country, this is our eastern Ukraine. I wish you health, take care of yourselves. And, undoubtedly, victory over the enemy every day», – emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.

During the meeting with the military, significant attention was given to issues of weaponry, scaling up drone production, brigade needs, and the experience of the 1st Corps of the National Guard «Azov». The development and expansion of drone capabilities were discussed, especially fiber-optic technologies. Additionally, there is a need for closer cooperation between drone and ground units, particularly in the simultaneous use of artillery and precision-guided munitions. The discussion also included the release of Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity and the efforts needed for this.