On the Day of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, now celebrated on November 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the soldiers on their professional holiday, awarded them state decorations, and presented battle flags and ribbons of the honorary distinction «For Courage and Bravery» to unit commanders.

The President expressed gratitude to the paratroopers for their service and emphasized that Ukrainian paratroopers participate in all major battles and operations.

«At this moment, the strength of our Airborne Assault Forces is crucial for maintaining the Pokrovsk direction, conducting our Dobropillia operation, and defending Donetsk, Kharkiv, and the southern regions. The heroic Kursk operation was also made possible largely thanks to our paratroopers», noted Volodymyr Zelensky.

The President remarked that together with other components of the security and defense forces, the paratroopers ensure significant achievements in battles, and without the contributions of the Airborne Assault Forces, it is hard to imagine strong results for all of Ukraine.

«Each unit of the Ukrainian Airborne Assault Forces is our pride and our independence. It is thanks to warriors like you and your brothers that Ukraine exists and will always stand on this land – independent and capable of defending itself», stated the President.

Those present honored the memory of all soldiers who lost their lives in the battles for Ukraine with a moment of silence.

The President awarded four Heroes of Ukraine with the «Gold Star» medals. The highest state award was given to:

Colonel Oleg Zmyslyi, commander of the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the 8th Airborne Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This year, under his command, the units destroyed over 1600 invaders and significant amounts of enemy equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Kostyantyn Revutskyi, who eliminated nearly 50 enemies during battles in Donetsk and Sumy regions.

Soldier Vyacheslav Tkachenko, who performs combat tasks near Bilohorivka in Luhansk and distinguished himself during enemy offensives.

Junior Sergeant Dmytro Shavaldin, who has been carrying out combat missions in Donetsk since October 2022 and destroyed numerous enemy vehicles and personnel.

The President also recognized the soldiers with the «Cross of Military Merit», including Major Ruslan Bilobrov and Colonel Eduard Kolodiy, who excelled in battles for Ukraine.