During a working visit to Sumy Region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the location of the 117th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade, heard reports from commanders and awarded servicemen.
According to his official website, he spoke to troops and thanked them for their daily service during the war.
"Thank you for defending Ukraine, our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I wish you and your families health and, of course, victory. Our future depends on it," Zelenskyy said.
The president awarded the servicemen of the Territorial Defence Forces, the State Border Service and the National Guard with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyy, III degree, "For Courage", III degree, medals "For Military Service to Ukraine" and "Defender of the Fatherland".
The presidents heard reports from the commander of the Siversk operational and tactical group, Maj-Gen Dmytro Krasylnykov, and the brigadier, Col Maksym Aksamytovskyy, on the operational situation in the brigade's area of responsibility and interaction with neighbouring units.
The commander of the 117th Separate Tank Brigade reported on the ratio of forces, equipment and weapons, the Russian use of guided aerial bombs. During the meeting, the president discussed with the commanders the need for means to combat this type of weapon.
Zelenskyy was briefed on the organisation of three-tier defence. The current needs for weapons and equipment were discussed.
He also inspected the brigade's command post, including the support forces department, air defence department, and decision-making point.