Zelensky honors wounded soldiers during Kyiv hospital visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented injured soldiers with “orders and medals for courage and dedication” on Sunday while visiting a military hospital in Kyiv, The Hill reported.

"President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to the wounded defenders of Ukraine undergoing treatment at a military hospital," Zelensky's office said in a statement.

According to a statement released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense of Twitter, Zelensky told the wounded soldiers, "Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory!"

Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦

🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» - зазначив @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8

— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 13, 2022

Since Russian forces first invaded Ukraine, Zelensky has actively recognized dozens of soldiers for their service to their country. On Sunday, for example, the president conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine to eight soldiers in honor of their "personal courage and heroism shown in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

But Zelensky’s courage and leadership has also been recognized and he has been given several awards in recent days, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s Freedom Award.  

"Although a political novice with no military background, President Zelenskyy has earned the respect of Ukraine and those around the world by refusing to flee the capital, urging Ukrainians to resist, and crafting a successful communications strategy that has won over European leaders and citizens," said the foundation.