The soldier who fought for 68 days in encirclement received the title of Hero of Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the officer of the 'Svoboda' battalion Vladyslav Stotsky the title of Hero of Ukraine, according to the decree, reports 'Glavkom'.

In November 2024, Vlad Stotsky recounted how he held out for 68 days in enemy encirclement. This happened in the summer in Donetsk region when he initially found himself at the position 'Adolf', and then at the position 'Pincher'. During this Time, there were many changes in the composition of the fighters, but Vlad remained at the position 'Adolf' for all 37 days.

Then he was ordered to move to the position 'Pincher', where the Ukrainian military held the defense with four personnel. According to Vlad, the biggest shortage was of water. The last mass attack by Russian forces took place on September 16. Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, Ukrainian fighters repelled the attack. After the battle, they were ordered to break through to their own.

We held 'Adolf' for 37 days - during this time, the composition of fighters changed eight times. There were National Guardsmen, guys from the 54th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One after another, one after another. And I was there all 37 days

Eight fighters of the 'Svoboda' battalion held out for 67 days in encirclement, stopping the Russian advance on the city of Siversk in Donetsk region. This was reported by the commander of the position, Lieutenant of the National Guard Vladyslav Stotsky.

According to Stotsky, they adapted their tactics to hold the positions and entered battle only when necessary. Fire support from the 'Svoboda' battalion and the adjacent K-2 battalion of the 54th OMBr helped repel enemy assaults.

Seven fighters broke through the encirclement, and one died. By 2022, none of the military had combat experience.