On the occasion of the International Black Sea Action Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukraine's defenders and awarded them with state awards.

He said that on this day, Ukraine celebrates the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers who changed the situation in the Black Sea in favor of our country and international order.

"The battle for the Black Sea is still ongoing, but we can already be confident that Russia will not win this battle. Ukrainians have not allowed the enemy to use the Black Sea as a foothold for landings and attacks against our southern regions," he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded that the liberation of Snake Island ensured Ukraine's control over the western part of the Black Sea's waters.

"Our naval drones and missiles are gradually destroying the Russian fleet. And our operations in the Black Sea are gradually reaching ever more distant boundaries," the Head of State added.

According to him, the Ukrainian alternative grain corridor is also the merit of those who develop and test Ukrainian weapons, protect Ukrainian ports, defend the skies, and, of course, those who directly carry out combat missions at sea and destroy the enemy.

The President is confident that the Black Sea will become an example of how Ukraine can restore security – for itself and its partners.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for remembering every Ukrainian soldier who gave their life to cleanse our sea from occupiers.

Those present honored all the fallen defenders of Ukraine with a moment of silence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that today, our country is showing gratitude to those who destroyed Russian military ships, develop domestic weapons, including naval drones, protect Ukrainian ports and vessels, and clear the sea in the corridors vital for global food security.

In particular, servicemen representing the Ukrainian Navy, the State Border Guard Service, and the Security Service of Ukraine received three presidential awards the "Cross of Military Merit."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the military personnel of the Ukrainian Navy, the State Border Guard Service, the Security Service of Ukraine, and Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine with the Order of Merit (III class), the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky (III class), the "For Courage" (III class), and the Order of Danylo Halytskyi.

The Head of State wished the awardees, their families, and all Ukrainians safety, health, and victory.