On the Armed Forces Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited military personnel undergoing treatment for injuries in one of the hospitals in the capital. The head of the state expressed gratitude to the soldiers for defending Ukraine.
'Thank you for your service, for defending the state. I wish you a speedy recovery and victory. Thanks from all of us, from the entire Ukrainian people for your heroism. Without a doubt, without unnecessary words,' said the President, congratulating the military on the Armed Forces Day.
Volodymyr Zelensky also awarded high state honors to the soldiers.
In particular, Junior Sergeant Valeriy Kucherenko was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The President presented him with the Order of the 'Golden Star.' In October 2023, the junior sergeant led a assault group to capture an enemy position in Luhansk region. Under heavy enemy fire, Valeriy Kucherenko destroyed an enemy firing point with hand grenades and was the first to enter the position, where he neutralized five occupiers with his rifle. However, due to the explosion of an enemy grenade, he suffered severe shrapnel injuries to all limbs. He was evacuated from the battlefield. Due to the injuries, Valeriy lost his hands. Currently, the defender is preparing for the installation of bionic prosthetics.
"Swift recovery. You are a hero. No one in Ukraine forgets such heroes. Our state stands on such shoulders," said Volodymyr Zelensky during a conversation with Valeriy and his wife Veronika.
The President also awarded the orders "For Courage" of the II and III degrees to eight soldiers.
During the conversation with the defenders, the Head of State inquired about their military path, well-being, needs, and treatment conditions.
"Thank you for your heroism, for your service. I wish you a speedy recovery and victory," emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
In addition, the President familiarized himself with the work of the urology clinic, where he was briefed on the surgical capabilities that the clinic acquired thanks to a new contact multifunctional laser lithotripter. In the detoxification center, the Head of State was shown the hemodialysis room.
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with the medical staff of the institution. He thanked the doctors for saving the lives of soldiers and assisting defenders in recovery.
The President awarded the medical staff the Orders of Princess Olga of the III degree and the Orders of Daniel of Galicia.
"I want to thank you on behalf of thousands of people whose lives you saved with your work. I talked to the guys today. Someone is smiling, someone wants to return to the front again. But most importantly, you brought them back to life. Thank you," said the Head of State.
