"Avdiivka. Our positions. Our guys. Ukraine is defending its own here. Defending our entire nation. Just as on the entire front line. Donetsk region. Kharkiv region. Zaporizhzhia. Kherson region – the left bank. It is hard. It is pain and losses. And these are the people who keep Ukraine alive. Life is being fought for here. And we are grateful to every warrior. To every soldier, sailor, sergeant and officer bearing this war on their shoulders. Thank you all, warriors!
Today in Avdiivka, together with the team, we extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the military. All those who are on the front line. Those who are defending our country. Immense gratitude to all the relatives, to every family of our heroes. And to everyone who helps. Those who work to ensure that our guys at the front have what they need. And to everyone in the world who believes in us and does everything to make Ukraine more powerful.
We remember what is at stake in this war. We are defending our country."
During his trip to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited the forward checkpoint of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after General-Major Mark Bezruchko, stationed in Avdiivka.
The head of state listened to the report of the brigade's commander, Hero of Ukraine Mykola Chumak, on the operational situation in the direction and the course of defensive actions. According to the brigade commander, Russian invaders do not spare lives, but our defenders firmly hold positions and even capture enemy soldiers.
The President spoke with the soldiers, thanked them for their high combat spirit. The head of state inquired about the main needs of the military, among which the need for personnel replenishment and electronic warfare means were most frequently mentioned. At the same time, the fighters noted that the provision of drones has significantly improved recently.
Volodymyr Zelensky also awarded state decorations to the defenders of Avdiivka. In particular, Junior Sergeant Ihor Tymoshchuk, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, received the Order of the "Golden Star" from the President. Junior Sergeant personally plans, directs, and participates in assault operations. Groups under his leadership repeatedly destroyed enemies, captured enemy soldiers, and regained control of positions. Thanks to the successful restoration of lost defensive positions, Ihor Tymoshchuk prevented the enemy breakthrough to Avdiivka, ensuring the retention of a crucial line for the defense of the country.
The President's Award 'Cross of Military Merit' was presented to Senior Lieutenant Yevhen Baikov. Additionally, Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III degree and the Order 'For Courage' III degree.
"It is an honor for me and our team to be here in Avdiivka today to thank you for your service and to award you. You are strong people. Thanks to you, we have Ukraine, our land, our relatives, and loved ones. I want to congratulate you on Christmas and the New Year, thank you from the entire Ukrainian people for this year that you endured. The whole country endured thanks to you and people like you," noted the President.
The head of state wished the defenders and their families health and strength.
"Victory awaits us for sure. I believe in each of you. Thank you for your service! Glory to Ukraine!" said Volodymyr Zelensky.
In addition, for the safety of the personnel, the President handed over awards to be presented to servicemen in their locations.
