President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited the location of the 25th separate airborne Sycheslav brigade in Pokrovsk, which is defending the town.

“I spoke with the defenders and presented them with awards. This is a tense and challenging direction. It is only thanks to the strength of our warriors that the East has not been completely occupied by Russia. The enemy is confronted every day. I thank our warriors for their unwavering courage,” Zelenskyy said on X Monday.

According to the President's press service, the head of state received a report from Brigade Commander Yevhen Lasiichuk on developments in the area of their responsibility and the security situation in Pokrovsk. Yevhen Lasiichuk reported on the tactics of the Russian occupiers in conducting small-group assaults and countermeasures, interaction with adjacent units, and the experience of using equipment provided by partners.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also received a report from the Commander of the Operational Tactical Group Donetsk, Oleksandr Lutsenko, on the overall situation in the operational area of his troops and details on the defense of Kurakhove and other key areas.

The President spoke to the Sergeants of the brigades defending Donetsk region and congratulated them on Sergeant's Day. He honored Junior Sergeant Vitaliy Havrylenko, Chief Sergeant Andriy Hryn, Sergeant Artur Maskevych, Sergeant Kostiantyn Ploskonos with the Crosses of Military Merit.

"It is very important that you stay safe, because without you, Ukraine will definitely not survive. I am grateful for your courage, your experience," Zelenskyy said.