In Donetsk, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with troops involved in the counteroffensive operation in the area of Dobropillia, expressing gratitude for their results and awarding defenders with state honors.

The soldiers are conducting a counteroffensive operation around Pokrovsk and Dobropillia. Despite fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces are inflicting significant losses on Russian troops, hindering their ability to launch offensive operations.

The President received a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the progress of the counteroffensive operation and the overall operational situation along the front. Since the start of the operation, Ukrainian troops have liberated 160 square kilometers and seven settlements, with an additional 170 square kilometers and nine more settlements cleared of occupation forces. Ukrainian defenders have also captured nearly one hundred Russian invaders. In recent weeks, Russian losses in this sector have exceeded 2500 personnel, with more than 1300 killed.

For these achievements in recent weeks, the President awarded the soldiers with the “Cross of Military Merit,” orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of I–III degrees, “For Courage” of II and III degrees, as well as the Order of Princess Olga of III degree.

“I am aware of your steps. The Commander-in-Chief has repeatedly informed me of the details. I have seen your comrades in action. I want to thank you for your resilience. You truly are an example for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and for all our defenders. I appreciate your bravery. I also want to thank your families for their support. I wish you all health and resilience,” – said the President.

The head of state, together with the present defenders, honored the memory of their fallen comrades with a moment of silence.