Poroshenko hands over drones, other equipment to troops in Sumy region
Petro Poroshenko has traditionally celebrated his birthday at the front with Ukraine’s soldiers, two whom he brings presents -- FPV drones, UAV detectors, Shatro electronic warfare systems, day and night Mavic drones, as well as vehicles to meet the military needs to 11 brigades and battalions fighting on the border of Sumy region and taking part in the defensive operation in Kursk region.
This year was no exception. In total, paratroopers, scouts, artillerymen and infantrymen were given almost a thousand high-quality FPV drones and four dozen scarce Mavic, the European Solidarity website reports.
"People are used to receiving gifts on their birthday, but at the front we are breaking this tradition because we brought them ourselves. We came to our best, true friends, because it is always nice to celebrate this day in such surroundings," the leader of European Solidarity said.
"The first to intercept me were fighters from the 54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, who are currently fighting in the Kursk region. The soldiers say that it is difficult, but continue to maintain their trademark smiles and optimisms," Poroshenko said.
A reconnaissance battalion fighter with the call sign Raccoon adds:
"Today, Petro Poroshenko and the Sprava Hromad [organization] are delivering a very large load - this includes a mobile workshop, baths, ATVs, and a lot of electronics, equipment, charging stations, UAV detectors and essential FPV drones. This is really a great help. Today, perhaps, the largest load in the entire war, and we are very grateful for what they are doing for Ukraine's victory."
"The 409th separate rifle battalion, led by Andriy Podlesny, callsign Podly, serves side by side with the 54th battallion. Due to intense fighting in the Sumy direction, Andriy was unable to break through to us, because in such a situation a real battalion commander should be with his brothers-in-arms. At our last meeting, I was very impressed by the pickup truck he arrived in: the front window was completely broken. That's why I gave the guys a Ford car, and in addition 100 FPV drones, three Mavics, a Shatro electronic warfare system, 10 UAV detectors, and two charging stations," Poroshenko said.
Kyiv Regional Council Deputy Georgy Tsagareishvili serves in the 207th Battalion.
"We work with the 207th as an ‘ambulance.’ Two days ago, he called and said that he needed equipment - today there are already 100 FPV drones, three Mavics, 10 UAV drone detectors, a charging station and a dome electronic warfare system," Petro Poroshenko said.
"You were with us two weeks ago. We have already practically used those drones. Now we need more powerful FPV drones and more of them. Therefore, this assistance is very important," Georgy Tsagareishvili said.
"We also cooperate with the 117th Troops Brigade, to which we are transferring not only 100 FPV drones, four Mavics, 10 drone detectors, a charging station and electronics, but also our mobile auto repair shop," Poroshenko said. The military says: the mobile workshop will help repair equipment that constantly breaks down in the field.
European Solidarity party member Serhiy Kostynsky leads a company in the Seraphima UAV unit as part of the 104th Troops Brigade.
"There are many Crimeans in the unit, and Serhiy says that he is waiting for our tanks to reach Dzhankoy. They fight for this every day, and we lend our shoulder - we shipped 100 FPV drones, eight Mavics, 10 “Vanilla Sugar’ UAV detectors and two charging stations," says Poroshenko.
Former Crimean journalist Oleksandr Yankovsky is also fighting in this brigade.
"Today we are receiving very important equipment for us, which will help us better protect Ukraine, better destroy enemies," says the military man. "We are currently working both within Ukraine and abroad. These are very good drones, which we used in the Zaporizhia and Kupyansk directions. In my opinion, this is a work of art that allows us to destroy both enemy personnel and their equipment," added Serhiy Konstynsky.
"I want to thank Petro Oleksiyovych for not stepping aside. You know, now few major politicians actively participate in helping the Armed Forces. He does it systematically and regularly," Kostynsky said.
"We have no holidays, no weekends, no vacations. We do not have a minute of extra time, because our task is to work to provide for those who are holding the front with titanic efforts," Petro Poroshenko said.