“Zaporizhia region. Robotyne. Location of the 65th Mechanized Brigade. I spoke with the defenders, thanked them and presented state awards
,” Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.
“It’s an honor to be here today
. ”
The Ukrainian president posted a video on Facebook showing him in uniform, going to meet soldiers in a dark room that resembles a cellar.
“I have the great honor to be here today to reward you, because you have a difficult and decisive mission on your shoulders to repel the enemy and win this war
,” Volodymyr Zelensky told the fighters.
“I wish you victory, I want to reward you and I hope that you do everything to achieve this victory more quickly
,” he added.
Robotyne was recaptured from Russian forces in August last year, during an assault led by the 65th Brigade, which was described as a major success by kyiv in its counter-offensive against Russian forces.
But since then the small village has been attacked relentlessly by Russian forces and is one of the main hotspots on the southern front.