Yesterday, on the eve of National Guard of Ukraine Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NGU service members, presented state awards, conferred officer ranks, and handed over battle flags and honorary distinction ribbons.
The Head of State congratulated them on the 11th anniversary of the National Guard’s founding and thanked them for their faithful service to Ukraine.
“National Guard warriors carry out combat missions on par with other elements of Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces. NGU units and heroic fighters are steadfastly defending Ukraine and delivering crucial results in eliminating the occupiers,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President emphasized that since 2014, and after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, National Guard troops have proven themselves with distinction in battles for Ukraine. In addition, during the full-scale war, NGU units have been implementing and advancing the use of drones and intelligent battlefield analysis systems.
“I want to thank all of you – each and every one of you who is helping modernize our National Guard. I especially want to recognize the assault units of the National Guard and the bravery of every one of our warriors who not only hold the line but reclaim Ukrainian positions,” the President added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine remembers all its warriors currently held in Russian captivity and continues working at all levels of diplomacy to free them and bring them home.
According to the President, 11,608 National Guard members have been honored with state awards for defending Ukraine – 2,919 of them posthumously. Those present honored all fallen heroes with a moment of silence.
The President presented state awards to 20 National Guard members.
Hero of Ukraine, Major Maksym Nebylytsia received the Order of the Golden Star. In the first six months of last year, he destroyed 6 armored fighting vehicles, 4 tanks, 7 mortar and artillery positions, 4 self-propelled howitzers, and eliminated nearly 100 Russian occupiers. His planning enabled Ukrainian troops to retake and secure a number of positions, playing a critical tactical role in preparing a counterattack near the Kreminna Forest in the Luhansk region.
The Head of State also honored three warriors with the Cross of Military Merit. The award was presented to:
Captain Petro Voznyi. He provided intelligence that led to the destruction of around 40 units of enemy equipment and two Russian companies. He remotely mined roads, enabling the elimination of equipment and roughly a platoon of occupiers. During an assault, he covered the withdrawal of his brothers-in-arms from under enemy fire, saving lives.
Senior Sergeant Oleksandr Rudenko. He eliminated three enemy spotters, nine armored vehicles, and nearly a platoon of occupiers in the Luhansk region last January – and captured six occupiers more. In July, near Makiivka, he destroyed two grenade launcher teams, two machine gun crews, a Tigr armored vehicle, and an enemy squad.
Junior Sergeant Andriy Sharko. He took part in 30 anti-saboteur operations, 5 sniper position eliminations, and 7 missions to liberate the occupied residential areas. During a Russian assault in the Svatove district, he led a fire team and personally took out an enemy grenade launcher crew with a grenade inside their trench.
President Zelenskyy also awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky I and III class, the Orders
“For Courage” I–III Class, the Orders of Princess Olga III Class. He presented the battle flag to the NGU Training Center and “For Courage and Bravery” ribbons to the Special Operations Center, the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade, and the 13th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Additionally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reviewed military equipment currently in service with NGU units, including UAVs, small arms, and combat, evacuation, and medical vehicles.
