President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a working trip to Lviv region, where he met with the personnel of the Western Territorial Administration of the National Guard of Ukraine and presented state awards.
The meeting was also attended by Azovstal defenders who returned to their homeland today: Commander of the Azov separate special operations unit of the National Guard Denys Prokopenko, his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, acting Commander of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade Serhiy Volynsky, Senior Officer of Azov Oleh Khomenko and Commander of the 12th Brigade of the National Guard Denys Shleha. Before the meeting, the fighters said hello to their relatives and friends.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Chief of Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov, and Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko also took part in the events.
Addressing the soldiers and the entire Ukrainian people, the Head of State said that today is 500 days since the start of the full-scale war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine.
"500 days as we fight for freedom and independence for Ukraine. For dignity, for the right to life for all our people, throughout Ukraine. Ukraine will always be grateful to everyone who fights for it. To our soldiers. To our heroes," Zelenskyy said.
The President said that on the 500th day of the war, our state brought home five Heroes of Ukraine – commanders of the Mariupol and Azovstal defenses.
"They fought heroically! They went through Russian captivity. Then they were in Türkiye for more than 300 days. It's time for them to be at home," the Head of State said.
He also thanked the team that is working to return Ukrainians home: Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Head of Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov, the Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, who were present at the event, as well as Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Head of the Security Service Vasyl Malyuk and law enforcement officials. In addition, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Türkiye and personally to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the help in releasing the prisoners.
"500 days ago, many people in the world still did not understand what we are, what you are, what to expect from us, and what our heroes are. Now, everyone understands. Now, the world believes in Ukraine. The world is inspired by our courage, inspired by our heroes. And most importantly, Ukrainians believe in Ukraine, Ukrainians see what we are all capable of when we are together. We are the strongest in unity," the President said.
According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale war for freedom, many thousands of our people have shown the highest courage, and almost 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been awarded state awards.
"298 Ukrainian men and women received the highest title of Hero of Ukraine. And we should all honor and remember these people – our heroes – both now and after our victory. And our children, our grandchildren, and all generations of the Ukrainian people. Thank you, heroes of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!" Zelenskyy said.
The President named more than 270 Heroes of Ukraine, noting that the names of some of our soldiers, who also received this highest state award, cannot be named yet.
"We will be able to tell about the real potent achievements of these Heroes of Ukraine only after our victory. And we will definitely tell," he added.
At the same time, Zelenskyy said that the majority of the Heroes of Ukraine, who were named, were awarded this title posthumously.
Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of all Ukrainians who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.
"And, of course, I am grateful to all of you – I am grateful to all our soldiers who today were awarded state awards - the Orders for Courage – for the exploits when you defend life and the beautiful state. Thank you!" the President said.
Zelensky presented state awards to National Guard servicemen. For the personal courage shown in the defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the selfless service to the Ukrainian people, the soldiers were awarded the Orders for Courage of the III degree.
"Glory to all Ukrainian men and women of different times who gained will and strength for Ukraine! Glory to all our heroes! Glory to the people of Ukraine! We will win!" the Head of State said.
