President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the “Gold Star” Orders to servicemen who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, and to members of the families of fallen defenders who were awarded this title posthumously.
The ceremony took place in the White Hall of the Heroes of Ukraine in the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that today the highest state awards are presented to those who write the history of our state, our people and independence.
"Every time we talk about the liberated Ukrainian territories, about the cities and villages to which our national flag returns, about the people, we are actually talking about those whose bravery on the battlefield is the foundation of our gains and future victory," the Head of State emphasized.
The President emphasized that completely different people are fighting and working for Ukraine's victory today. Among them are those who devoted their lives to military affairs, those who were conscripted to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who serve in the National Guard, law enforcement agencies, Security Service, intelligence forces. Among the defenders of Ukraine, there are also civil servants, diplomats, volunteers, journalists, IT specialists, transporters and representatives of dozens of other professional and social groups.
"The names of our heroes, the feats of Ukrainian defenders will be preserved and will be known not only to our people, but also to everyone in the world who values freedom and who will never be conquered by any invaders," Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.
He noted that it is thanks to all these people that Ukraine will be able to defeat the enemy, which already feels the inevitability of the defeat.
"We all know that our victory is a matter of time and our efforts. It will definitely happen. Our victory will take place thanks to our heroes, thanks to the fact that the Ukrainian people stood up for the defense of the state and will not give up their freedom, will not give up our land," the President emphasized.
The attendees honored the memory of those who died defending Ukraine and its independence with a moment of silence. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the highest state awards.
