'Great hero': Trump names his 'favorite soldier' in Ukraine
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Ankara (Getty Images)
During talks in Ankara, one member of the Ukrainian delegation received unexpectedly warm praise from the US President.
Trump singled out Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Colonel Pavlo Palisa, who was among those attending the meeting.
"That's one of my favourite soldiers," Trump said, pointing to Palisa.
Trump also asked if the Ukrainian officer was 'doing okay,' noting he regularly sees him at meetings.
"He's doing a great job. Great hero," the US President added.
Who is Pavlo Palisa
Pavlo Palisa, known by the callsign "Hunter," is a Ukrainian Armed Forces colonel who has served as Deputy Head of the Presidential Office since November 29, 2024.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he cut short his training in the United States, returned to Ukraine, and took command of the 5th Separate Assault Regiment.
Between 2023 and 2024, Palisa commanded the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar" and took part in the fighting for Bakhmut.
In February 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promoted him to the rank of brigadier general by presidential decree.
Palisa has been awarded the Cross of Military Merit and the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, Third Class.
