Stotsky, who fought for 68 days while encircled, has been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to officer Vladislav Stotsky of the "Svoboda" battalion.

This is mentioned on the official decree page.

In November 2024, Vlad Stotsky shared in an interview with hromadske how he held combat positions for 68 days while surrounded. This took place during the summer in the Donetsk region, where he initially found himself at the "Adolf" position and later at the "Pincher" position.

At one point, he and a comrade were left alone at the "Adolf" position. Reinforcements arrived one or two at a time.

“We held 'Adolf' for 37 days — during that time, the composition of the fighters changed about 8 times. There were National Guardsmen, guys from the 54th Brigade of the Armed Forces. One after another, one after another. And I was there for all 37 days,” the soldier recalled.

After Vlad was left alone at "Adolf," he was ordered to retreat to "Pincher." There, the Ukrainian fighters defended the position with four men. According to the soldier, the most pressing need was for water.

“God, without a doubt, exists. I heard Him at the positions — and He heard me. I would kneel and ask Him: please, make it so that water or power banks arrive today. I prayed and touched the bracelet that my chaplain gave me. And every time I asked God, a drone [with water] would arrive,” Stotsky recounted.

To learn more about Vlad Stotsky and his combat journey, read our article.