Ukrainian President’s Trip to Odesa
On July 4, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with military personnel at a medical facility in Odesa. During this visit, he presented awards to soldiers who had taken part in holding back occupying forces and conducting counteroffensive operations in Kherson and its region, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and Mykolaiv Oblast. The troops, who defended the Kinburn Spit and the port of Odesa, had sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and severe musculoskeletal injuries.
Recognition and Support for Medical Staff
Zelenskyy honored the defenders with Orders for Courage, First and Third Class, as well as medals for Military Service to Ukraine and Defender of the Fatherland. He also spoke with medical professionals who had performed advanced surgical procedures on the wounded soldiers. These doctors and nurses provided critical surgical care and carried out evacuations in Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Sumy regions. In recognition of their work, the president awarded five medical workers the Order of Daniel of Galicia and medals for Military Service to Ukraine.
'It is good to see you. Thank you for your service, for defending our state, for your heroic deeds. We are proud of you and wish you a speedy recovery.' – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Just ahead of Ukrainian Navy Day, the president had also met with naval personnel to present awards, underscoring the importance of military service amid current challenges.
Zelenskyy traveled to Odesa Oblast on a working visit and held a meeting with the leadership of the Ukrainian Navy, stressing the need to support troops and medical teams operating on the front lines.
This visit by Ukraine’s president highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to soldiers and healthcare workers carrying out their duties during the armed conflict. The awarding of medals to both fighters and medics serves as a symbol of recognition for their sacrifices and efforts in the struggle for national independence. It also demonstrates the state’s readiness to back those who defend its sovereignty by providing essential resources and moral encouragement.
In a similar show of support for those who serve and protect, President Zelenskyy recently honored the families of fallen police officers with Gold Star awards. This gesture underscores the government's recognition of the sacrifices made by all security personnel in Ukraine. To learn more about this important event and the significance of honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, click here.