On the Day of Ukrainian Military Volunteer, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with warriors and families of fallen defenders to present them with the highest state awards.
He thanked everyone who stands in defense of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
“This is an extremely difficult time – one of the most challenging periods in the history of the Ukrainian people. But we have upheld our statehood, preserved Ukraine’s independence, and continue to maintain Ukraine as a free and sovereign state on the political map of the world. And it will always be so – Ukraine will always stand, thanks to our people – our heroes who are ready to defend it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President highlighted that the desire to defend Ukraine, the motivation to be a warrior and defender, the strength of our army, and the results achieved in the battles for Ukraine is the most important security guarantee for Ukraine and the strongest pillar of its statehood.
The participants observed a minute of silence in memory of all fallen Ukrainian warriors.
The Head of State handed over the Golden Stars of the Hero of Ukraine to the families of the fallen defenders. The highest state title was awarded to:
Master Sergeant Oleksandr Hrechanyk. As part of a Special Forces group, he carried out missions in the Kyiv region, in Siverskodonetsk, Lysychansk and the Bakhmut district. Last year, on June 4, the group was ambushed while returning to the evacuation point after completing a mission. Oleksandr Hrechanyk led the battle during which Ukrainian warriors eliminated eight Russian occupiers and captured 12 others. He died of a gunshot wound.
Soldier Serhii Narizhnyi. He took part in battles in the Sumy and Donetsk regions. On January 21, 2023, he repelled numerous assaults by Russian invaders near Paraskoviivka in the Bakhmut district and died in the battle, fulfilling his military duty until the very end.
Senior Lieutenant Oleksii Sevruk. From the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion, he joined the ranks of Kyiv's territorial defense forces. He defended Ukraine near Bilohorivka in the Kherson region and in Bakhmut, near Soledar, Kurdyumivka, and Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region. He was wounded twice. On September 17, 2023, in Robotyne, Oleksii Sevruk, while leading an assault group, engaged in a small arms battle with the Russian occupiers, during which he sustained a fatal injury.
The President also awarded the Golden Stars of the Hero of Ukraine to Soldier Maksym Lozov and Lieutenant Andrii Matus.
Maksym Lozov conducted combat operations in eastern Ukraine. While repelling enemy assaults in the Donetsk region, he used an automatic grenade launcher to prevent the enemy from getting close to his positions. His unit eliminated eight occupiers and wounded around 20 others. The soldier was wounded and completely lost his eyesight, but despite this he continued to destroy the enemy.
Last summer, Andrii Matus defended Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, he organized the defense of positions and personally killed more than 20 invaders. In August, he sustained multiple wounds caused by FPV drones but continued to perform his duties successfully and organized the evacuation of his wounded brothers-in-arms.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented defenders with the Cross of Military Merit awards. The recipients were:
Senior Lieutenant Ivan Kozin. He was awarded the Cross of Military Merit for the second time. On October 5, 2024, near Novoivanovka (Russian Federation), as a commander of a mechanized company, he prevented the breakthrough in the defense line. His unit executed a maneuver with a flank attack and delivered a sudden strike to the enemy. Later, Ivan Kozin organized a breakthrough to the rear and captured a strategic height to track enemy positions and control supply routes. He also organized the evacuation of the wounded.
Captain Vladyslav Bohorodytskyi. He defended Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Donetsk regions. His unit repeatedly repelled enemy attacks, which resulted in significant losses in manpower and equipment for the Russian occupiers.
Senior Sergeant Marharyta Bulavintseva. In 2023-2024, during the defense of the Kharkiv region, she organized the command of the mortar battery crews. Last year, near Vovchansk, a mortar crew under her command neutralized nearly 50 occupiers (destroyed and wounded) and stopped several assault attempts.
Senior Sergeant Ihor Korenov. Last September, during fighting in the Luhansk region, he organized and led a maneuver to change the unit's firing positions. At the risk of his own life, he led the search for a wounded warrior, provided medical assistance and organized the evacuation. On September 15, the unit's firing squads under his command destroyed nearly 20 occupiers.
Captain Oleh Sokot. As the commander of a mechanized battalion, he repeatedly led battles, repelled offensives and assaulted enemy positions. Between 28 May and 17 July 2024 alone, his unit repelled 44 assaults, eliminating 87 occupiers and wounding 72 others. This demoralized the enemy and forced them to retreat.
The President also awarded the defenders of Ukraine with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, I, II and III classes, and “For Courage”, III class.
