"The Black Sea region will always be free": Zelensky awarded military sailors in Odesa
Kyiv • UNN
On the occasion of the Day of the Navy, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to heroic Ukrainian sailors in Odesa for their courage and achievements in liberating the territories from Russian occupation, including for forcing the enemy to retreat from key positions and expanding the bridgehead.
On the occasion of the Day of the Navy, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated sailors in Odesa and awarded them with state awards. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Office of the President.
Details
During this war, Ukraine has gained a completely different status for the Black Sea region - this region will always be free from Russian domination. Our country will always have its own fleet - a modern fleet, its own influence and a clear strategy, a new Maritime Strategy of Ukraine. All of this would not have been possible without the bravery and results of our Ukrainian marines
The President praised the heroism of sailors, soldiers of the River Flotilla, naval aviation pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, and artillerymen. He also added that all Ukrainians should always remember what our soldiers are going through and the price they pay to protect Ukraine's independence. The audience honored the memory of the fallen heroes.
The President has awarded the Order of the Golden Star to Junior Sergeant Vladyslav Andrushchenko, Hero of Ukraine, who took part in the liberation of Makarivka and Staromayorske in Donetsk region. Last October, he led an assault group of a marine company that crossed the Dnipro River, successfully landed on the left bank and approached the village of Krynky. This year, the soldiers forced the Russian occupiers to retreat from key positions there and expanded their foothold. Vladyslav Andrushchenko was repeatedly wounded and returned to the battlefield after treatment.
They received the President's Cross of Military Merit award:
- Junior Sergeant Yaroslav Koziychuk. Last December, a combat group under his command landed on the left bank of the Dnipro River, took over enemy positions, stormed strongholds, and destroyed armored vehicles and occupation personnel.
- Senior Seaman Vitaliy Kosheliuk. He led an assault group that conducted offensive operations in Krynky in Kherson region. During April-May, he destroyed two betters and three vehicles, five dugouts, an enemy antenna and 17 Russian occupants;
- Captain Vasyl Pushkash. He organized the evacuation of wounded and killed comrades from positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River. In the spring, he conducted an amphibious assault operation near Krynky. His unit stormed the positions of the Russian occupiers, captured the enemy's electronic warfare complex and conducted reconnaissance of the territories - thanks to this, the Special Operations Forces were able to gain a foothold in new positions.
The President also awarded the defenders with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III degree, For Courage, II and III degrees, Princess Olha, III degree, and Danylo Halytskyi.
The Head of State presented honorary insignia "For Courage and Bravery" to the 26th and 27th separate divisions of river boats of the River Flotilla of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Recall
On Sunday, July 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Odesato honor the memory of soldiers who gave their lives for Ukraine.
