President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on security and the social situation in the region as part of his trip to Kupiansk (Kharkiv region).

"I held a meeting on security and social issues. Protecting Kharkiv region from UABs, providing heat and light, evacuating people. The operational situation, the needs of our brigades and increasing their capabilities in relation to drones and electronic warfare," Zelenskyy said in Telegram channel on Monday.

The president also awarded state awards to the best sergeants in the Starobilsk operational-tactical group. "I talked to the fighters. It is always an honor. Thank you for your service, soldiers, for everything you do to protect our state," the head of state said.

According to the presidential press service, in Kupiansk he visited the location of the 14th separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Roman the Great, where he met with the city's defenders and held a meeting with the commander of the Starobilsk operational-tactical group Serhiy Perets, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, Minister for the Development of Communities and Territories Oleksiy Kuleba and Head of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Synehubov.

"The head of state heard a report by Serhiy Perets on the operational situation in the area of ​​responsibility of his group, as well as on repelling the recent attempt by Russian forces to break through to Kupiansk and taking many of its participants prisoner," according to the press release.

In addition, the meeting participants discussed in detail the brigades' needs for drones and the sources of their provision by the state and the resources of the brigades themselves.

The president also spoke with soldiers of the 14th Mechanized Brigade "Prince Roman the Great" and the brigade commander Yaroslav Sydoriv. Zelenskyy presented the defenders with the Order of Courage of the second and third degrees. "I want to congratulate you on Sergeant's Day, wish you health and victory. Thank you to your loved ones and relatives for supporting you. This is very important. To your parents – for raising such worthy, brave, strong Ukrainians. Take care of yourself, please," the president said, addressing the soldiers.