Zelensky arrives at front line, awards Bakhmut defenders

The Head of State heard reports on the operational situation and the course of hostilities on the frontline, spoke with service members, and thanked them for the defense of Ukraine, the President’s Office informs.

"I am honored to be here today, in the east of our country, in Donbas, and to award our heroes, to thank you, to shake hands. Thank you for protecting the state, sovereignty, the east of Ukraine," Zelensky said.

Those present honored the memory of the fallen defenders with a moment of silence.

The President presented state awards to the service members. In particular, artilleryman Captain Illia Verhun, who has the title of Hero of Ukraine, was awarded the Order of the Gold Star. Since February 24, 2022, he has been involved in countering the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Verhun directly led the anti-tank units during the liberation of the town of Trostianets, Sumy region, and participated in deterring the enemy in Izium direction. The units under his leadership and with the personal participation destroyed a large number of enemy vehicles.