The Head of State in Donetsk took part in solemn events on the occasion of the Day of Special Operations of the Armed Forces

During his working trip to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited the location of the SCO of the Armed Forces, where he took part in the solemn events on the occasion of Special Operations Day. The head of state congratulated the soldiers and thanked them for their courage and sustainability.

“It is very important to congratulate you personally, so I wanted to be here, to shake your strong hands, to thank you that they have not allowed our country to occupy, destroy Ukraine and everything we have: our identity, our lives. I thank you for 520 days of a very difficult full -scale war for our freedom and life of all of us, our children, the present and the future of our country, you remain as strong, ”Vladimir Zelensky said, addressing the SCO soldiers.

The attendees paid a moment of silence to the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our country. The President, together with his military chaplain, participated in prayer for the victory of Ukraine. He also presented state awards. In particular, Volodymyr Zelensky passed the Order of the Golden Star, the father of Captain Alexei Khizhnyak, awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.

In September 2022, the group of Alexei Khizhnyak seized an enemy checkpoint and stopped the enemy column, destroyed equipment and personnel. During the battle, the captain suffered fatal wounds. Alexei Khizhnyak's father manages one of the SCO special purpose detachments. General Viktor Khorenko, Commander of Special Operations Forces, reported to the President on the work of the SCO soldiers.