On Ukrainian Navy Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Navy servicemen in Odesa and presented them with state awards.
“Over the course of this war, Ukraine has gained an entirely new status in the Black Sea region – this region will now always be free from Russian dominance. Our state will always have its own fleet – a modern fleet, its own influence and a clear strategy of action – the new Maritime Strategy of Ukraine. None of this would be possible without the bravery and achievements of our Ukrainian marines,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President noted the heroism of sailors, warriors of the River Flotilla, naval aviators, anti-aircraft gunners, and artillerymen. He also added that all Ukrainians should always remember what our warriors are going through and the cost of defending Ukraine's independence. The attendees honored the memory of the fallen heroes.
The President awarded the Golden Star Order of the Hero of Ukraine to Junior Sergeant Vladyslav Andrushchenko, who took part in the liberation of Makarivka and Staromayorske in the Donetsk region. Last October, he led an assault group of a marine company that crossed the Dnipro River, successfully landed on the left bank and approached the village of Krynky. This year, the warriors forced the Russian occupiers to retreat from key positions there and expanded their foothold. Vladyslav Andrushchenko was repeatedly wounded but returned to the battlefield after treatment.
The Cross of Military Merit was awarded by the President of Ukraine to the following warriors:
Junior Sergeant Yaroslav Koziychuk. Last December, a combat group under his command landed on the left bank of the Dnipro River, took over enemy positions, stormed strongholds, destroyed armored vehicles and occupiers' personnel.
Senior Sailor Vitaliy Kosheliuk. He led an assault group that conducted offensive operations in Krynky, Kherson region. During April and May, he destroyed two armored personnel carriers and three vehicles, five dugouts, an enemy antenna and 17 Russian invaders.
Captain Vasyl Pushkash. He organized the evacuation of wounded and fallen brothers-in-arms from positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River. In the spring, he conducted a riverine assault operation near Krynky. His unit stormed the positions of the Russian occupiers, captured the enemy's electronic warfare complex and conducted reconnaissance of the territories, which allowed the Special Operations Forces to gain a foothold in new positions.
The President also awarded the defenders with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III class, For Courage, II and III class, Princess Olga, III class, and Danylo Halytskyi.
The Head of State presented the honorary distinctions "For Courage and Bravery" to the 26th and 27th separate river boat divisions of the River Flotilla of the Ukrainian Navy.
