On 13 October, Col. Gen. Stepan Poltorak, Defence Minister, visited wounded soldiers in Kyiv military hospital.

On the eve of the Day of Defender of Ukraine Col. Gen. Stepan Poltorak congratulated the Ukrainian defenders and awarded them.

Defence Minister awarded 15 Ukrainian servicemen wounded in the east of Ukraine with watches, orders and bonuses amounted to UAH 10,000.

“The real power of our army is in the strong spirit of our soldiers,” Col. Gen. Stepan Poltorak stressed. "I thank you for heroism, courage! You demonstrated to the whole world the Kosacks still live in Ukraine! You stopped the enemy! Tomorrow, you’ll have your professional holiday — the Day of Defender of Ukraine. I wish you a speedy recovery!