Cross of Military Merit for a Defense That Lasted 165 Days

The President of Ukraine has signed a decree awarding Oleksandr Aliksieienko and Oleksandr Tishaiev with the highest military honor, the Cross of Military Merit.

“Both are from the territorial defense. Both are ordinary Ukrainians who have become an example of superhuman endurance and military brotherhood,” said Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

They will receive this award for their incredible resilience and courage – 165 days of continuous defense in the Orikhiv sector, which was held for some time by the 115th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Aliksieienko and Tishaiev distinguished themselves even before their epic defense. They repeatedly engaged in small arms battles, destroying the enemy and helping to evacuate the wounded and dead.

The soldiers also shot down enemy drones that were directing artillery fire on Ukrainian positions. Their attentiveness saved their comrades more than once.

From May to October of this year, two defenders held one position in the Orikhiv sector, constantly conducting reconnaissance and destroying enemy infantry.

The command tried to replace them more than 30 times, but constant shelling did not allow for rotation.

It was only in late October, when the front was covered in thick fog, that the two heroes were withdrawn from their positions.

Oleksandr Aliksieienko admits that after being wounded, he was able to survive thanks to the support of his comrade-in-arms.

“We survived only because we stuck together. I would not have survived without him,” he emphasized.

The Cross of Military Merit

The Cross of Military Merit was introduced by Presidential Decree No. 314/2022 of May 5, 2022. It is intended to honor the defenders of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

This is an award from the President of Ukraine given to the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations for outstanding personal bravery and courage or an outstanding heroic act during a combat mission or outstanding success in commanding troops during military (combat) operations.

Recently, the title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to soldiers who held the line for 67 days.

The award was given for the fact that from July 10 to September 16, 2024, a group of eight soldiers from Svoboda Battalion of the 4th Brigade Rapid Reaction Brigade ‘Rubizh’ of the National Guard of Ukraine held their positions in the encirclement for 67 days during a massive Russian offensive on Siversk.