Zelenskyy in Donetsk Oblast introduces new Commander of Joint Forces and urges protecting personnel

During a working trip to Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting where he introduced the newly appointed Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andrii Hnatov.

Source: Office of the President of Ukraine

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I understand that this is one of the most responsible missions, probably one of the most challenging positions in the army, especially during wartime. Therefore, I want to wish you effective work, success, and, of course, victory as a result of your actions. I sincerely hope you remember that the most important thing is our people, and you do everything to preserve as much of the personnel as possible."

Details: During the meeting, the president also listened to reports from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces; Vadym Filashkin, the Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; and Oleksandr Nadtochii, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Department in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. 

Syrskyi reported on the situation on the front line in Donetsk Oblast and in certain areas in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Filashkin spoke about the construction of defence lines.

"He [Syrskyi] said that the third line of fortifications, being built by civilians, is 90% complete. He also noted that the oblast authorities are assisting the military in constructing the second line of defensive structures," the report said.

Background:

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Donetsk Oblast on 26 June and said there will be a "separate conversation" with government officials in Kyiv who are supposed to be near the front. Zelenskyy has stated that he would draw appropriate conclusions.
• Zelenskyy replaced Lieutenant General Yurii Sodol, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with Brigadier General Andrii Hnatov.

Support UP or become our patron!