During his working trip to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited one of the command posts of the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade.

The head of state listened to a report from the brigade commander, Serhiy Romashko, regarding the operational situation in the area of responsibility of the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade, the assigned combat tasks, and the interaction with neighboring units. Serhiy Romashko also reported on the construction of defensive lines and the installation of mine barriers.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the soldiers for defending Ukraine and awarded them with honors.

The President conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine and awarded the Order of the "Golden Star" to Chief Sergeant Serhiy Hvozdiu. He has been defending Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale invasion. Under his command, units repeatedly repelled enemy assaults in Donetsk. Thanks to his accurate shooting and effective drone management, the occupiers suffered significant losses in both equipment and personnel. Despite being wounded multiple times, Serhiy Hvozdiu repeatedly risked his life to save his comrades.

Staff Sergeant Oleg Diachuk received the President of Ukraine's commendation, the "Cross of Military Merit." He participated in battles, including those in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Currently, he is carrying out combat missions on the outskirts of Klyshivka as part of anti-tank guided missile crews and tripod-mounted anti-tank grenade launchers. Due to his organized work, approximately 20 Russian occupiers have been eliminated, and about 50 have been injured.

Another Ukrainian defender has been awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd class, and two others have been awarded the Order "For Courage," 3rd class.

"It's a pleasure for me to be here, to see you, to thank you, and to personally award you. You are on one of the hottest, and perhaps the hottest, frontlines in the fight for our state today. Thank you for fighting for Ukraine, for Ukrainian Donbas. I'm grateful to those comrades of yours who, unfortunately, are no longer with us, but they will forever remain in our memory. I wish you good health, strength, victory, and all the best. Once again, thank you for protecting Ukraine and defending our people and our land," said Volodymyr Zelensky