During a working trip to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Armed Forces' frontline positions in the Berdyansk direction.
The Head of State examined the work of the command and observation post of the third battalion of the Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Separate Presidential Brigade.
The President listened to the report of the commander of the Donetsk Operational and Tactical Group, Lieutenant General Yuriy Sodol, on the current operational situation in this area of the frontline. The parties discussed certain issues of the formation of the Marine Corps.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke with the military who took part in the liberation of settlements in the Berdyansk direction. He thanked the soldiers for their heroic service and presented them with state awards.
"It is a great pleasure to be here today. I am especially pleased to greet the third battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade. Thank you for defending Ukraine, fighting for our independence and freedom. Freedom for each and every one of us. I want to thank you, award you, shake hands and wish you victory. Take care of yourselves! If you save your lives, you will save Ukraine," the Head of State emphasized.
In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented the Gold Star Order to Major Serhiy Dudin, deputy commander of the marine battalion of the 35th separate marine brigade of the Marine Corps Command of the Ukrainian Navy. The Major repeatedly participated in repelling enemy attacks. As a member of the unit and personally, he destroyed enemy equipment and manpower, participated in successful assaults that he planned himself, and liberated the lands of Kherson region from Russian occupation. During the hostilities, he was wounded. After treatment, he immediately returned to the ranks. The major is highly respected by the battalion's military personnel.
Receiving the award from the President, Serhiy Dudin handed him his chevron.
