Zelenskyy visits frontline soldiers in Avdiyivka, Donetsk Oblast
Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a Ukrainian military officer (Photo:www.president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited frontline positions in Avdiyivka, Donetsk Oblast, the Presidential Office reported on April 18.
Zelenskyy posted footage on Telegram showing the aftermath of Russian shelling of Avdiyivka.
As part of his visit, Zelenskyy heard a report by the Donetsk operational and tactical group commander on the situation in his area of responsibility.
He also spoke with members of the marines, airborne assault, and mechanized and artillery units, thanking them for their service.
“I have the honor to be here today, to thank you for your service, for defending our land, Ukraine, our families,” Zelenskyy said.
“Congratulations on the holidays, on (Orthodox) Easter! I wish you only victory – this is what I wish for every Ukrainian, this is what is very important to all of us. I wish good health to all of you and your families, and I’m sincerely grateful on behalf of every Ukrainian for the great path that you overcome every day.”
The memory of the fallen Ukrainian soldiers was honored with a moment of silence.
Zelenskyy presented state awards to several Ukrainian servicemen. They were awarded with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the 2nd and 3rd degrees, as well as the Orders ‘For Courage’ of the 2nd and 3rd degrees.
The Ukrainian military presented the Ukrainian leader with a challenge coin, a chevron, and a plaque with 110th separate mechanized brigade insignia.
Zelenskyy also visited a military hospital in Donetsk Oblast. He observed the work of a frontline surgical group, visiting the triage department, anti-shock ward, operating room, and intensive care room.
The president was shown a Scania evacuation bus capable of simultaneously transporting five lying and 16 sitting patients. The bus, equipped with modern medical equipment, has already made over 90 trips.
At the hospital, Zelenskyy chatted with soldiers and presented them with state awards, including medals for military service to Ukraine, for personal courage and selfless actions in defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as loyalty to the military oath.
“Thank you for your service,” Zelenskyy said.
“I wish you a speedy recovery. All the best to you.”
The Ukrainian leader took the time to speak with the hospital’s medical staff and awarded representatives of the medical service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Danylo Halytskyi orders for saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
“I’d like to thank you and wish you … the health that you give to our guys,” he said.
Earlier, Zelenskyy visited the frontline positions of the Ukrainian military near Bakhmut on March 22.
During that visit, Zelenskyy heard reports on the operational situation and the course of combat actions at the frontline. The president spoke with the service members in the combat zone and thanked them for defending Ukraine.
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