More than 100 soldiers injured or killed in Ukraine have been awarded medals by Volodymyr Zelensky for their bravery.
The Ukrainian president visited a military hospital in the Kyiv region on Sunday to honour the 106 servicemen – 17 posthumously – with the title ‘Heroes of Ukraine’.
He gave the soldiers medals to boost morale while they recover from injuries sustained while fighting Russia’s troops.
Hutsul Volodymyr Olesksandrovych, a senior lieutenant, was one of the men awarded the title and a medal.
He was commemorated for destroying 25 units of Russian military equipment and killing about 300 invading soldiers.
In photos, Mr Zelensky is seen talking and taking selfies with soldiers, and speaking with hospital staff.
Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦
🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» – зазначив @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 13, 2022
The president also wore scrubs and a mask to speak to at least one soldier who appears to have sustained more serious injuries than the other wounded troops, as photos show him linked to monitors and nasal tubes.
Mr Zelensky said: “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory!”
This is according to an English translation of a tweet posted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky also honoured the hospital staff for their work in difficult conditions amid Vladimir Putin’s invasion launched on 24 February.
At least 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers have died defending the country against Russia, Mr Zelensky said on Saturday.
