On the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to representatives of the military and other professions and handed over passports to Ukrainians who had turned 14.
The Head of State noted that Ukraine's path has never been easy, and the Ukrainian state maintains its independence thanks to each brave and caring Ukrainian.
"Our statehood is your achievement: of everyone who fights and works for Ukraine, unites the world, learns, spreads the truth, and prepares to hold Russia accountable for everything it has done against us. Our statehood is you, everyone who cares about Ukraine, is proud of Ukraine, and does everything they can to ensure Ukraine’s victory," he said.
The audience honored the memory of all those who gave their lives for Ukraine with a minute of silence.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Orders of the Golden Star to the families of the fallen Heroes of Ukraine. This title was awarded to:
Captain Ivan Honcharenko. Last February, he led the defense of positions near Bilohorivka and personally damaged two tanks and two IFVs during the Russian offensive. He was wounded but refused to be evacuated. Ivan Honcharenko was killed on February 6 this year while organizing the retreat of subordinate fighters from under fire.
Soldier Yuriy Hilianchuk. He took part in the fighting in the direction of Avdiivka. He was wounded, but managed to evacuate three wounded brothers-in-arms. Despite mortar attacks, he moved to firing positions and fired continuously to kill. Thanks to this, their positions were saved. Yuriy Hilianchuk was killed by a sniper's bullet on May 15, 2023.
Captain Volodymyr Holiadynets. Thanks to his command, about 30 enemy attacks near Avdiivka and 15 attacks near Krasnohorivka were repulsed. On October 19, 2023, Volodymyr Holiadynets tried to evacuate his wounded brother-in-arms from the battlefield, but was caught in mortar fire and died of his wounds.
The Head of State also presented two more Heroes of Ukraine – Senior Sergeant Mykola Kozak and Senior Soldier Ivan Chornyi – with the Orders of the Golden Star.
Mykola Kozak in 2022, during the offensive of the Russian invaders in the Kherson region, hit a tank and destroyed two firing positions with a grenade launcher, forcing the enemy to retreat. In the Donetsk region, he took command of the unit, led the personnel to a new frontier, ensured the holding of the defensive line and prevented the enemy from breaking through.
Ivan Chornyi fought alone against four Russian invaders who were landing from an IFV last October. Armed with an assault rifle and a grenade, he suppressed the enemy fire and destroyed the entire landing party. Later, he captured and occupied enemy fortifications and killed five Russian occupiers – three in small arms battle and two in a dugout.
The President awarded several warriors with the Cross of Military Merit. It was received by:
Sergeant Valentyn Martynov. In October 2022, his unit repelled dense enemy attacks to prevent a breakthrough of the defensive line near Vuhledar. He personally rescued five of his brothers-in-arms from under the rubble, administered first aid, and helped evacuate them to safety.
Major Denys Malysh. He personally engaged in close combat with superior enemy forces. In August 2023, an assault group under his command conducted offensive operations near Verbove and Mala Tokmachka. Denys Malysh was wounded but continued to lead the fighters.
The Head of State also awarded the defenders with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III class, For Courage, III class, of Princess Olga, III class, and of Merit, III class.
In addition, the President awarded state decorations and honorary titles to representatives of other professions, including employees of the Kharkiv and Trypillia thermal power plants, the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant, municipal enterprises, as well as teachers and doctors.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed over 27 passports of Ukrainian citizens, in particular to children of defenders, volunteers and winners of academic Olympiads.
