During a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the military command in the region and presented state awards.
The Head of State listened to the report of Commander of the Odesa operational and strategic grouping of troops Andriy Hnatov on the general operational situation and combat operations within the area of responsibility of "Odesa". The participants discussed in detail the interaction with the Air Force and the work of mobile firing groups, the positive experience of their use and suggestions for improving efficiency.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also heard a report from Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksiy Neizhpapa on the current situation in the Black Sea, Russian attempts to disrupt free navigation, in particular by remotely mining the waters. The parties discussed the steps taken by the Ukrainian Navy to implement mine countermeasures and ensure the security of the "grain corridor".
Commander of the Air Command South Dmytro Karpenko informed the President of Ukraine about the work of the air defense system of Odesa region, air cover of the regional center, the infrastructure of the "grain corridor" and the brigades engaged in combat operations within the area of responsibility of the Odesa operational and strategic grouping of troops.
The interlocutors discussed the potential for enhancing the effectiveness of the air defense system by leveraging upcoming arrivals of Western air defense systems.
The President also spoke with the warriors defending the south of Ukraine and presented them with state awards.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Presidential Cross of Military Merit to Senior Soldier Mykola Bebko, Captain Volodymyr Hopkal and Lieutenant Colonel Vitaliy Petroshchuk for personal courage and selflessness in the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Additionally, the Head of State awarded three defenders the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, I and III classes.
"Today, we are not able to award massively because it is dangerous. But I am sure that the gratitude of all Ukrainians will be enormous. I thank you for your service, for the enemy targets that were shot down thanks to your service and your work. I wish you victory, I wish your family and friends health," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
For the safety of the military personnel, the President handed over a portion of the awards to the commanders of military units for distribution at the service locations.
For their part, the military presented the Head of State with a wall clock made from elements of a downed Russian X-555 cruise missile.
