Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces Awards Oleksandr Syrskyi with Gold Medal
During a visit to Ukraine, Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Mikael Klasson, presented the Gold Medal of the Swedish Armed Forces to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
Klasson stated that Syrskyi was recognized for his personal contribution to the defense of Ukraine and fulfillment of his military duties. “His life and selfless actions in service to his country are an outstanding example of courage, resilience, and a vivid illustration of the determination of the Ukrainian people in their proud struggle against Russian aggression,” he said. Klasson also emphasized that Syrskyi is defending not only Ukraine, but also the freedom, democracy, and territorial integrity of the rest of Europe.
The award ceremony took place after talks during which the Swedish and Ukrainian armed forces’ commanders discussed bilateral military cooperation and the security situation in Ukraine and worldwide.
The Gold Medal of the Swedish Armed Forces is one of the highest honors of the Swedish military. It is awarded to military personnel, civilian staff, and foreigners who have made significant contributions to strengthening defense capabilities and developing international military cooperation. The medal is round and made of gold, featuring a profile of King Carl XVI Gustaf on the obverse, with a royal crown above it.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, total Russian combat losses in the war against Ukraine from 24 February 2022 to 13 March 2026 amount to approximately 1,277,620 personnel. Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders eliminated another 860 Russian troops.
During the last 24 hours, Ukrainian forces repelled 122 enemy attacks along the entire front line, with the heaviest shelling on the Huliaipole and Kostiantynivka axes.
The enemy used air strikes, kamikaze drones, and artillery, while Ukrainian defence forces inflicted systematic fire damage on the occupiers. In Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian soldiers also destroyed a Merlin‑VR reconnaissance drone.
