Pivnenko visits Kryvyi Rih, meets with local military leadership

National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko made a working visit to Kryvyi Rih, where he met with the head of the Central Territorial Administration and the commander of the 21st Separate Brigade of the National Guard, and also spoke with Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s Defense Council.

"Together with the commanders, we discussed current issues related to mission execution, unit development, and strengthening their combat capabilities," Pivnenko wrote on Telegram on Friday evening.

He added that he had become familiar with the development of unmanned systems and ground robotic systems, as well as the personnel training process.

"The introduction of modern technologies is one of the key factors in increasing the effectiveness of our units on the battlefield. Results are already being seen both on the battlefield and in logistics and strengthening defenses against enemy air attacks," he said.

Pivnenko reported that over the past two weeks, the air cover unit of the 21st Separate Brigade has destroyed more than 20 enemy Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles using interceptor drones.

This is a significant figure, and we will continue to increase it, he emphasized.

Ground-based robotic systems are also actively used. Specifically, they deliver up to 500 kg of necessary cargo to brigade units’ positions in a single mission.

Pivnenko presented the Order of Danylo Halytsky to the brigade’s deputy commander, Colonel Oleksandr Piskun, who took part in the battles and liberation of Ukrainian cities in 2014 during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and was seriously wounded.

Piskun currently continues to serve in the National Guard. The National Guard Commander noted that this award is recognition of his personal contribution to strengthening the state’s defense capability.

Pivnenko also visited the Museum of the Russia-Ukraine War.

"The exhibits deeply and compellingly reflect the course of the military operations and the personal stories of fallen soldiers, reminding us of the cost of our struggle. We shape memory and preserve history for future generations. I am convinced that the history being made on the battlefield today will inevitably end in our victory," he added.