During a working visit to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the position of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit of the Armed Forces, where he took part in solemn events on the occasion of the Day of Special Operations Forces.
The Head of State congratulated the warriors and thanked them for their courage and resistance.
"It is very important to congratulate in person, that's why I wanted to be here, shake your strong hands, thank you for not letting our state be occupied, Ukraine and everything we have: our identity, our life be destroyed. Thank you for the fact that even after 520 days of the very difficult full-scale war for our freedom and the lives of all of us, our children, the present and the future of our state, you are still strong," Zelenskyy said, addressing the SOF warriors.
Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our country.
The President together with a military chaplain took part in a prayer for Ukraine's victory.
He also presented state awards. In particular, Zelenskyy handed over the Golden Star order to the father of Captain Oleksiy Khyzhniak, who was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. In September 2022, Khyzhniak's group captured an enemy checkpoint and stopped the enemy column, destroying equipment and personnel. During the battle, the captain was mortally wounded. Oleksiy Khyzhniak's father heads one of the special forces units of the SOF.
Commander of the Special Operations Forces, Brigadier General Viktor Khorenko, reported to the President about the actions of the SOF warriors. According to him, the Special Operations Forces are engaged in all areas of the front and destroy the enemy in the most difficult conditions.
Khorenko said that SOF units work 24/7 and often beyond their capacity.
"This is the work of the SOF: difficult, but necessary for victory," he said.
The flag and chevrons of the Special Operations Forces were also handed over to the President.
