On the occasion of the Railway Worker's Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a ceremonial event at the Central Railway Station in Kyiv and presented state awards to industry workers.
Alongside the Head of State, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who is visiting Ukraine, participated in the ceremony of awarding Ukrainian railway workers.
In his speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that railway workers are helping Ukraine withstand the full-scale Russian war.
"Our railway is much more than just an industry. It is a guarantee that our people, our Ukrainian economy, and our state will not be disconnected from European countries that support us. Our railway is the guarantee that Ukraine's regions, our cities, and villages in different parts of our state are united in one living space with necessary goods and services, even amidst the shelling by Russian terrorists," the President said.
The President expressed his gratitude to all male and female Ukrainian railway workers who, despite the dangers, work for the sake of the state and the values that unite all of Europe, despite the enemy's attempts to disrupt our lives.
"Ukrainian railway workers have helped evacuate four million people from the areas of hostilities. Our railway, you all, only since the beginning of this year, have been able to transport over 120 million tonnes of cargo, including globally significant goods like food," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to partner countries, including the European Union, for supporting the railway Lanes of Solidarity.
"Since the beginning of the full-scale war, our railway workers have managed to build vital routes that Ukraine had needed for decades. These routes connect with Poland, Romania, and Moldova. Ukrainian railway workers contribute to the internal integration and connections within Europe," the President said.
The President emphasized that thanks to diplomatic trains, over 500 delegations have visited Ukraine, which is a significant contribution of our railway workers to global unity.
He also mentioned the humanitarian work carried out by Ukrainian railway workers, demonstrating our humanity to other countries.
"Our medical trains, essentially hospitals on rails, save lives and transport the wounded, constantly helping to save people's lives," the President said.
Also, the Head of State talked about a train that allows preparing 10,000 meals a day for people in areas affected by hostilities or natural disasters.
"For Ukraine, this war for independence is truly a people's war. Millions of people are fighting and working to preserve our free lifestyle and Ukraine as an integral part of Europe, our shared great home. We will defend Ukraine – I am absolutely sure of that; there is not even a doubt. We will defend our independence! And I thank everyone whose work gives strength to Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of the 530 railway workers who died as a result of the Russian invasion.
On her part, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine can be proud of its railway workers who have been tirelessly working in very challenging conditions since the beginning of the Russian aggressive war against Ukraine.
"You help your fellow citizens find refuge in the European Union and then return home. You deliver essential goods from Ukraine to the entire world. You connect your country and its people. You keep the lifeline going," she said.
Ursula von der Leyen also said she had visited Ukraine six times during the full-scale war, using railway services. The President of the European Commission expressed her gratitude to Ukrainian railway workers for their professionalism, dedicated work, and warmth.
For their significant personal contributions to the development of railway transport, dedication, and high professionalism demonstrated in ensuring the functioning of railway infrastructure facilities in the conditions of martial law, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored railway workers with state awards. In particular, the President of Ukraine awarded the Orders of Merit, III class, to 14 employees of the railway transport sector, and another railway worker received the honorary title of "Merited Transport Worker of Ukraine."
