During a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the frontline positions of the Ukrainian military in the Bakhmut area.

The Head of State heard reports on the operational situation and the course of hostilities on the frontline.

The President spoke with the servicemen and thanked them for the defense of Ukraine.

"I am honored to be here today, in the east of our country, in Donbas, and to award our heroes, to thank you, to shake hands. Thank you for protecting the state, sovereignty, the east of Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The attendees honored the memory of the fallen defenders with a moment of silence.

The President presented state awards to the servicemen.

In particular, the “Gold Star” Order was awarded to artilleryman, Captain Illia Vergun, who was conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, he has been involved in countering the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. He directly led the anti-tank calculation during the liberation of the city of Trostianets, Sumy region, and participated in deterring the enemy in the Izyum direction. The units under his leadership and with the personal participation of Illia Vergun destroyed a large number of enemy vehicles.