As part of a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte visited the hospital where Ukrainian defenders who were injured during battles with the enemy in Kherson region are being treated.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian head of state, Zelenskyy and Rutte had a conversation with the Ukrainian defenders, who spoke about themselves, their injuries, their state of health and the progress of treatment.
“Great respect for all of you. Thank you for protecting our state, for your heroism. I wish you a speedy recovery,” Zelenskyy said.
The president presented the military with the Order of Courage, of the third class, and the medal For Military Service to Ukraine.
In addition, Zelenskyy and Rutte spoke with medical workers. The head of the Ukrainian state thanked the doctors for showing heroism and dedication, just like the soldiers whose lives they saved.
“I have always believed and continue to believe that people are the most important thing. And then comes weapons. I believe that our weapons are our people. It is a great honor to congratulate you today, thank you for your daily difficult work and service to Ukraine and Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.
In turn, Rutte said he was amazed by the heroism of the Ukrainians, which he saw with his own eyes and emphasized that he always felt that Ukraine would win.
“And after this visit, I am absolutely convinced of this. Thanks to what the Ukrainians are doing at the front, and the way you take care of your people. This is true humanity,” the Prime Minister of the Netherlands said.
Zelenskyy presented military doctors with the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the third degree, and Danylo Halytsky.