Zelensky presents awards to Ukrainian special forces on visit to frontline

Ukraine's president has visited special forces operatives on the frontline in Vovchansk to present awards for bravery in the face of Russia's invasion.  

Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, carried out the visit on the Day of Special Operations Forces, handing out two titles of Hero of Ukraine to troops in the north east of the country.

In a post on X, Mr Zelensky said: "Today, I had the honour to be there to congratulate our Special Forces warriors on their professional day and to present them with state awards."

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"I want to thank you for your heroic operations both behind enemy lines and during the defence and de-occupation of our territories, cities and villages, starting with the defence of the Donetsk airport in 2014, then Hostomel, the Kherson region and the operation in the Kharkiv region," Mr Zelensky said in a statement.

"Please, take care of yourselves. Today you are in this area, which is probably one of the most difficult.

"The whole country is counting on you, we will definitely win."

Mr Zelensky visited a forward command post in the Kharkiv region, where he presented awards.

He also gave the 142nd Training Centre of the Special Operations Forces the honorary name of Khorunzhii-General Vsevolod Zmiienko – he was an active participant countering Soviet power and head of the intelligence and counter-intelligence service from 1928-36.

During his visit, Mr Zelensky and Cdr Syrskyi received a report from the Commander of the Special Operations Forces Oleksandr Trepak on the strategy of development of the Special Operations Force.