President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky today visited Ukrainian servicemen on the front line in the Vovchansk direction in the Kharkiv region, saying that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and African countries are fighting for Russia in this area, Ukrinfrom reported, BTA reported.
"Today I met with those who are defending our country in the Vovchansk direction - servicemen from the 17th separate motorized infantry battalion of the 57th brigade "Koshev ataman Kostya Gordienko", the head of state wrote in the "Telegram" application.
"We talked with the commanders about the situation on the front line, the defense of Vovchansk and the dynamics of the fighting. We also raised questions about the supply of drones and their use, the recruitment of servicemen and the direct financing of the brigades. Servicemen in this region have noticed the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and African countries in the hostilities (on the side of Russia - ed.). We will respond," Zelensky added.
He presented state awards to servicemen, Ukrinform noted. "It is an honor for me to be here. Thank you for fighting in the service of your homeland and the Ukrainian people, as well as for sticking together," the president said.
The city of Vovchansk, located five kilometers from the border with Russia, has been almost completely destroyed by the bombing of the Russian army, whose offensive in this part of Ukraine took place in May last year, AFP notes.
Zelensky wrote on "Telegram" that he also visited one of the hospitals in the city of Kharkov, where he talked with wounded servicemen and awarded military doctors.
"In one of the hospitals in Kharkov, where wounded servicemen are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. I talked with the defenders who are defending Ukraine in different regions: Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, Kupyansk. I awarded them with state awards. Thank you for your service in defending the country. We are proud of such strong warriors," the president wrote in this publication.
He also praised military doctors for their "professionalism, empathy and daily care for the defenders of the homeland on the path of their recovery." Ukrinform explains that Zelensky awarded three servicemen with the Cross of Military Merit - an order of the head of state of Ukraine.