On the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited servicemen who are undergoing treatment in one of the capital's hospitals after being wounded. The Head of State thanked the military for defending Ukraine.
"Thank you for your service, for defending the state. I wish you a speedy recovery and victory. Gratitude from all of us, from all the people of Ukraine for your heroism. Without a doubt, without superfluous words," the President said, congratulating the military on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also presented the warriors with high state awards.
In particular, Junior Sergeant Valerii Kucherenko was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The President presented him with the Gold Star Order. In October 2023, the Junior Sergeant led an assault group to capture an enemy position in Luhansk region. Under heavy enemy fire, Valerii Kucherenko destroyed an enemy firing point with hand grenades and was the first to enter the position, where he neutralized five occupiers with an assault rifle. However, as a result of an enemy grenade explosion, he sustained severe shrapnel wounds to all his limbs. He was evacuated from the battlefield. Valerii lost his arms as a result of the wounds. Now the defender is preparing for the installation of bionic prosthetics.
"I wish you a swift recovery. You are a hero. No one in Ukraine forgets such heroes. Our state stands due to such heroes," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with Valerii and his wife Veronika.
The President also presented the Orders "For Courage", II and III class, to eight warriors.
During the conversation with the defenders, the Head of State asked about their military path, their health, needs, and treatment conditions.
"Thank you for your heroism, for your service. I wish you a speedy recovery and victory," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Also, the President familiarized himself with the work of the urology clinic, where he was told about the surgical capabilities that the clinic has gained thanks to a new contact multifunctional laser lithotripsy machine. In the detoxification center, the Head of State was shown the hemodialysis room.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked to the medical staff of the institution. He thanked the doctors for saving the lives of the military and helping the defenders recover.
The President presented the medics with the Orders of Princess Olga, III class, and the Orders of Danylo Halytskyi.
"I want to thank you on behalf of thousands of people whose lives you have saved. I talked to the guys today. Some of them are smiling, some want to go back to the front. But what is most important is that you have brought them back to life. Thank you," the Head of State said.
