Zelensky awards Odesa terrorist defense brigade soldier for fighting in Krynky

Dmytro Korda, a soldier of the Odesa Brigade of the TRO who held the line on the left bank of the Dnipro River for 88 days, received a high state award from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was awarded for bravery and heroism.

This was reported by the 126th separate territorial defense brigade.

The brigade said that Dmytro took part in extremely difficult battles in Krynky in the Kherson region, where he and his comrades held a bridgehead, repelling up to 15 attacks a day.

"Our task was to defend the bridgehead. Sometimes we repelled up to 15 attacks a day. In addition, there was constant shelling. They started when we just approached the shore by boat. The ground was literally burning under our feet. Something immediately exploded in front of our boat, and we were miraculously saved. It turned out that was only the beginning of hell. We were able to gain a foothold and repelled Russian attacks around the clock," the soldier said.

Photo: press service of the 126th separate brigade of the Theater of Operations

It took them three months to leave Krynky. During the evacuation, Dmytro suffered a severe leg fracture, but he did not give up. After swimming across the Konka River with his leg broken, he walked almost two kilometers to reach his position.

"The current in the river, although it is narrow, was just crazy. I went in at one point and came ashore 200 meters away. I crossed the river twice - there is an island between its branches. Then I walked through the swamps, leaning on a stick. I had studied the map in detail on the Kropyva, memorized everything, so it was as if I had it in front of me all the time. It took me a day and a half to reach our positions," Dmytro recalled.

For his heroism and unwavering courage during the defense of the bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro River, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Dmytro Korda the Cross of Military Merit.

Photo: Press service of the 126th Separate Tank Brigade

In July 2024, Ukrinform and the Liberovs' photojournalists made a documentary film called Krynky.

Андрій Колісніченко