Volodymyr Zelensky presents soldier with medal to mark National Air Force Day in war-torn Ukraine

UKRAINIAN President Zelensky presents medals to a soldier as he marks the nation’s National Air Force Day. The heroic leader, 44, presented the “Golden Star” award to soldiers fighting Russia as the war in Ukraine passed six months as he declared them Heroes of Ukraine – the nation’s highest honour. AFPPresident Zelensky presents medals to a soldier as he marks the nation’s National Air Force Day[/caption] AFPZelensky said: ‘All those who defend our airspace have turned out to be much more professional, braver and more motivated’[/caption] He also presented medals in war-torn Kyiv to the families of fallen soldiers – holding a moment of silence in their honour. The embattled leader said: “Ukrainian pilots, anti-aircraft fighters and all those who defend our airspace have turned out to be much more professional, braver and more motivated”. This comes as Russian soldiers surrounded in Ukraine begged their defence minister to help them escape. One of the trapped 200 filmed a social media message to General Sergei Shoigu claiming they had been “abandoned”. Read More on Ukraine War 'HE KNOWS' The scariest thing about Putin is that he's sane, Zelensky tells Piers Morgan FIGHTING TALK Sunak vows to do whatever it takes to help Ukraine defeat Putin’s invasion The serviceman, who shielded his face, said: “The situation is really difficult. “I hope you hear this and can work a way for us to get out.” Most read in News BLAZE ALERT ‘Loud explosion’ near Heathrow as crews battle to save 30 homes from huge fire 'NOTHING DIGNIFIED' Archie Battersbee's family slam hospital after his 'barbaric' death 'HEART IS BROKEN' Tributes to popular dad, 58, killed at family holiday park as 6 arrested LAKE TRAGEDY Girl, 11, drowns at waterpark after vanishing 'during friend’s birthday party’ ROYAL CASH I thought Andrew was going to prison & Fergie was broke - they owed me MILLIONS BAKE OFF 10-day heatwave starts today with 28C scorcher but minister calls for hosepipe ban He said: “We have been left, abandoned. I am now in Kherson.” His brigade was cut off when Ukraine blew up a bridge on July 27 as they attempted to reclaim the southern city of Kherson. AFPZelensky also presented medals in war-torn Kyiv to the families of fallen soldiers – holding a moment of silence in their honour[/caption]