More than 13,000 Ukrainian defenders received awards during full-scale war - Zelensky

More than 13,000 Ukrainian service members have received state awards since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine started on February 24.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a video address, Ukrinform reports.

"In total, more than 13,000 of our servicemen and servicewomen received state awards during the full-scale war. This definitely characterizes the courage of all our defenders," he said.

Zelensky stressed the importance of assistance from international partners, but added that victory is gained directly by Ukrainians who are fighting.

On February 24, Russia launched a new phase of its war against Ukraine - a full-scale invasion, Russian invaders have been shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, towns and villages, torturing and killing civilians.

Photo: President's Office