The soldier who repelled the Russian advance in Kursk received a unique award.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, awarded the fighter commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment for participating in the battles in Kursk with a silver oak branch to the Cross of Military Merit.

The award with the oak branch is given for extraordinary actions in battle, which is appended to the Cross of Military Merit.

The commander with the callsign 'Kotelva' was the first to receive this honor. He led a battle that was impressive in its intensity and scale: repelling an enemy attack, a counteroffensive, a breakthrough into the rear, seizing a strategic height, and full control over the area. The battle took place in Kursk in October 2024, when the Russians attacked Kotelva's positions. He and his fighters held their ground and even launched a counterattack, which destroyed enemy equipment, broke into its rear, and closed logistics, subsequently repelling the advance in that direction.

Additionally, Zelensky awarded service members of the National Guard of Ukraine with state awards on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the establishment of the NGU.

He particularly noted the assault units and the bravery of the Ukrainian warriors, who not only defend positions but also regain Ukrainian positions.

Volodymyr Zelensky also met with the employees of the Security Service of Ukraine on the occasion of their 33rd anniversary and awarded them with state awards and granted higher officer ranks.