Zelensky presents state awards to 331 Ukrainian defenders

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky presented state awards to 331 service members, including soldiers of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and intelligence officers.

He said this in his video address to the nation on Wednesday evening, Ukrinform reports.

“I signed new decrees to honor our warriors with state awards, including the servicemen of the Air Force, our air defense, those heroes who save the lives of our people every night, every day. Also, our intelligence officers and servicemen of the Armed Forces - combat brigades and units - were awarded. In total, 331 warriors. 331 heroic lives,” he said.

Zelensky called on Ukrainians to remember that all of the citizens in Ukraine owe their lives to those who defended the life of the Ukrainian people and independence.

“Respect for our warriors, respect for the families of our warriors, respect for the wives and husbands of all those who have stood up to defend the state is a must. Gratitude to these people is a must. Ukraine knows how to be grateful, and it should be shown every day, I thank everyone who is fighting and working for our victory,” the President said.

The Head of State also thanked everyone who is currently fighting in the east and south of the country, opening up strategic space for Ukraine, space for movement to victory.

“I thank all those who are now on the offensive and on the defensive, who are storming the occupiers' positions and repelling their attacks. Thank you all, warriors, for your bravery, for your resilience and for every meter of progress!” he said.