President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the location of the 25th separate airborne Sicheslav brigade, which is defending Pokrovsk.
The Head of State received a report from Brigade Commander Yevhen Lasiichuk on developments in the area of their responsibility and the security situation in Pokrovsk.
Yevhen Lasiichuk reported on the tactics of the Russian occupiers in conducting small-group assaults and countermeasures, interaction with adjacent units, and the experience of using equipment provided by partners.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also received a report from the Commander of the Operational Tactical Group Donetsk, Oleksandr Lutsenko, on the overall situation in the operational area of his troops and details on the defense of Kurakhove and other key areas.
The President spoke to the Sergeants of the brigades defending Donetsk region and congratulated them on Sergeant's Day.
“I want to congratulate you personally here in Pokrovsk. This is a tense area. I know that it is only because of your strength that the East is not completely occupied by the Russian Federation. Every day the enemy receives a response from you, from your brothers-in-arms. I ask you to convey to them our immense gratitude from me, from all the people of Ukraine,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the defenders of Ukraine with state awards. In particular, he presented the Crosses of Military Merit to four warriors. The award was given to:
Junior Sergeant Vitalii Havrylenko. This July, he developed a plan and carried out the evacuation of 14 residents of Maksymilyanivka, Donetsk region, where an enemy subversive group was trying to gain a foothold. He repeatedly led an assault group during the clearing of the village. He personally captured three reconnaissance men who provided valuable information. This helped to disrupt the enemy's plans and discover the coordinates of ambushes and places where ammunition was stored.
Chief Sergeant Andrii Hryn. During continuous enemy assaults, he organized the battery's precision fire, which helped kill about 20 Russian invaders, damage four units of military vehicles, and halt the enemy advance. Also, this September, he personally supervised a gun crew and mined critical areas. This helped prevent the enemy's breakthrough and strengthened the unit's defensive lines.
Sergeant Artur Maskevych. He led an assault group in the area of Tonenke and supervised the airborne company's defensive positions near Krutyi Yar. In one of the battles, he came under fire, was wounded and severely concussed, but managed to help himself and fought for about 12 more hours until reinforcements arrived.
Sergeant Kostiantyn Ploskonos. During the offensive of the Russian occupiers near Paraskoviivka, he organized defensive actions and took direct control of the battle, disabling a T-72 tank and two armored combat vehicles. This September, he led a group of sappers who were installing barriers. As a result of an enemy mortar attack, two of his brothers-in-arms were wounded. Kostiantyn Ploskonos provided them with medical aid, evacuated them to a shelter, and then finished the task.
“It is very important that you stay safe, because without you, Ukraine will definitely not survive. I am grateful for your courage, your experience,” the President added.
