Zelensky awards fighters of the 66th Brigade in the Lyman direction

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited servicemen of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Mstislav the Brave, who are performing combat tasks in the Lyman direction, on September 30. The head of state presented state awards to distinguished servicemen.

Zelensky reported about the visit on his Telegram channel. The president also spoke with the brigade commander about the unit's tasks and its current needs.

The 66th Brigade is participating in Operation Vivaldi, which is being conducted by units of the Third Army Corps. According to Zelensky, as a result of this operation, more than 125 square kilometers of territory have already been returned to Ukrainian control.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapaty visited the soldiers together with the president. At the meeting, Zelensky thanked the fighters for defending the country, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Operation Vivaldi in the Lyman direction has been ongoing since September. Earlier, the Third Army Corps reported that in one of its first stages, Ukrainian units restored control over a significant territory, and subsequently announced the liberation of Shandryholove and Derylove and the establishment of full control over Drobysheve.

Several formations and units of the Defense Forces are involved in the operation, including the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Its servicemen, in particular, participated in the liberation of the settlement of Serednie. The Ukrainian command reveals details of combat operations after the completion of the relevant stages of the operation.

During the trip to the Lyman direction, Zelensky also held a coordination meeting with corps, brigade, and battalion commanders. Among the issues discussed were the procurement of equipment directly at the brigade level, strengthening units of unmanned systems, increasing funding for drones, and simplifying procurement procedures. 

In addition, the military raised issues of manning and training of personnel, provision of long-range artillery, and payment for the service of military personnel on the front line. According to the president, commanders must prepare proposals on the last issue.

The situation in the eastern and southern sectors of the front, the development of unmanned and anti-drone technologies, the return of servicemen from unauthorized absence, the involvement of foreigners, and logistics issues were discussed separately. Zelensky stated that the issues raised by the military command should be additionally considered at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff.

Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainska Pravda, Suspilne Donbas