President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ukrainian defenders in Avdiyivka.
"I am honored to be here today. Next to the marines, soldiers of airborne assault, mechanized and artillery units. Next to our heroes," he said in English on Telegram. "I am honored to be here today. Next to the marines, soldiers of airborne assault, mechanized and artillery units. Next to our heroes."
The president also visited the hospital where Ukrainian defenders are being treated.
For his part, the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said that Avdiyivka is another fortress city where our Defence Forces are preventing the enemy from encircling it.
"The Russians' plan is clear: they want to encircle the city, shell it with artillery and aircraft, and then try to break through to Pokrovsk. But our soldiers leave no chance for the enemy, disrupting all the plans of the terrorist Russian forces. In particular, the heroes of the 110th Mechanised Brigade," Yermak wrote.
He noted that the commander of the Donetsk operational and tactical group reported on the situation in the area of his responsibility. Zelenskyy spoke to marines, members of air assault, mechanised and artillery units and thanked them for their service.
The military were also presented with state awards. They received the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyy of the II and III degrees, as well as the Orders For Courage of the II and III degrees.
The servicemen presented the head of state with a military coyote, a chevron and a plaque with the symbols of the 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade.
Yermak noted that fierce battles in Bakhmut, near Maryinka, Vuhledar and Avdiyivka, successful defence were key now. Our army has already broken the enemy's plans to break through the defences and deepen their advance in the east. The next task is to reverse the situation and drive them out of our land.