During a working trip to the Chernihiv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the events marking the anniversary of the liberation of the region from the Russian invaders and presented state awards.
The event was also attended by Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany Robert Habeck and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić.
"We are celebrating the first anniversary of the liberation of our northern regions. It was then, a year ago, that the successes of our people in the battles for the Chernihiv, Sumy and Kyiv regions revealed to the world the truth about Ukraine. The world saw not only the grit and resolve of Ukrainians, not only how indomitable Ukrainian men and women are, but also that Ukraine is capable of winning. Winning not partially, in something, in certain battles, but in general. The world saw that Ukraine is capable of emerging victorious from this war," said the Head of State, addressing the audience.
The President noted that there has been a fundamental change in the world's attitude towards our country.
"It was here that the world's faith in Ukraine was confirmed. Confirmed by the actions of our warriors and the retreat of the invader," he emphasized.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both Ukrainian warriors and civilians of the Chernihiv region demonstrated true heroism in the fight for their communities, which will always be remembered.
Those present honored the memory of citizens who gave their lives for our country with a moment of silence.
"For more than 400 days, we have all been defending our country together in this full-scale war... There is still a long way ahead, difficult battles, difficult times. But we have the experience of what enables us, Ukrainians, to win. To be on our land and to fight. To cherish our internal unity and help everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, who works for Ukraine, who cares about our state. And to be a fortress - at the personal level, at the level of one's village, town, city, so that we remain a fortress at the level of our entire state, the whole of Ukraine," the President emphasized.
"It is an honor for me to be here today, to celebrate the struggle of the city of Chernihiv, the heroism of the region in general. And I would like to start the award ceremony by presenting Chernihiv with the award of a hero city, a city of heroes. I want to thank all of you who are bringing our victory closer," the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the "Hero City of Ukraine" honorary award to Dmytro Bryzhynskyi, Head of the Chernihiv City Military Administration.
The President also awarded military personnel and civilians who showed courage and heroism during the defense and liberation of the Chernihiv region from Russian occupation.
The President presented servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations with state awards, in particular the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the III degree, "For Courage" of the III degree, "For Merit" of the III degree, Princess Olga of the III degree, medals "For Military Service to Ukraine" and "For Impeccable Service" of the III degree. Awards were received by servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Bureau of Investigation.
