The President Awarded Crosses of Military Merit to Two AFU Territorial Defense Warriors, Who Spent 165 Consecutive Days at a Frontline Position

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed decrees awarding the Cross of Military Merit distinctions to Soldier Oleksandr Aliksieienko and Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Tishaiev, serving in the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, for continuous combat operations at a frontline position for 165 consecutive days.

Rifle Platoon Commander Oleksandr Tishaiev has been in the combat zone in the Zaporizhzhia direction since last summer. Since then, he has led the destruction of enemy forces and held positions, engaging in combat alongside his brothers-in-arms against significantly larger enemy units. In addition, Oleksandr Tishaiev has destroyed enemy drones and saved the lives of personnel.

Grenadier Oleksandr Aliksieienko has been in the combat zone in the Zaporizhzhia direction since September of last year. He has repeatedly repelled enemy drone attacks using electronic warfare equipment and small arms. He evacuated fellow warriors from a dugout where the occupiers had delivered gas munitions via FPV drones. He also held critical positions under heavy artillery fire and drone attacks.

In May-October 2025, on the outskirts of Verbove, Mala Tokmachka, and Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region, Oleksandr Tishaiev, as a senior of the position, together with Soldier Oleksandr Aliksieienko, spent 165 consecutive days at one observation post. They reported on frontline reconnaissance, drone flights, observed enemy assault groups, conducted preemptive fire, and reported on enemy movements and locations.

Under challenging conditions, with constant mortar fire and drone attacks, Oleksandr Tishaiev ensured the continuous operation of the position and maintained the fighting spirit of Oleksandr Aliksieienko, who was wounded in one of the combat engagements. More than 30 attempts were made to withdraw and rotate the unit at this position, but it could not be carried out safely.

Their last combat encounter with the occupiers took place on October 20, when the enemy assaulted the defensive line with 22 armored vehicles accompanied by a landing force. Ukrainian warriors eliminated three Russians attempting to breach their position after destroying a Russian MT-LB.

On October 28, Oleksandr Tishaiev and Oleksandr Aliksieienko were finally withdrawn from the position thanks to favorable weather conditions. Despite his injuries, Oleksandr Aliksieienko managed, with the help of his brother-in-arms, to reach the evacuation point approximately 12 km away. The warriors are currently receiving treatment in hospital.