President

In 500 days of a full -scale war, 298 Ukrainians and Ukrainians were awarded the highest title of Hero of Ukraine - President

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made a working trip to Lviv region, where he met with the staff 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: the commander of a separate detachment of the special purpose of the National Guard "Azov" Denis Prokopenko, his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, Acting Commander of the 36th Separate Brigade Azov officer Oleg Khomenko and the commander of the 12th Brigade of the National Guard Denis Shleg. Before the meeting, the fighters greeted with their relatives and relatives.

In addition, the events were attended by: Presidential Office Head Andriy Ermak, Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov, Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klimenko. Turning to the soldiers and the whole Ukrainian people, the Head of State noted that today 500 days from the beginning of a full -scale war, which Russia was resolved against Ukraine. “500 days, as we fight for freedom and independence for Ukraine.

For dignity, for the right to live for all our people, throughout Ukraine. Ukraine will always be grateful to everyone who fights for her. Our soldiers. Our heroes, ”said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President emphasized that on the 500th day of the war, our state returned home five heroes of Ukraine-commanders of Mariupol and Azovstal. “Heroically fought! They went through Russian captivity. Then they were in Turkey for more than 300 days. It is time to be at home, ”the head of state emphasized.

He also thanked the team who works for the return of Ukrainians home: the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov, Interior Minister Igor Klimenko, who were present at the event, as well as the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine. Basil the baby and his staff.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for his help in the release of the prisoners of Turkey and personally President Recep Taiip Erdogan. “500 days ago, many in the world have not yet understood what we are, what you are, what to expect from us and what our characters 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 emphasized. According to him, since the beginning of a full -scale war for freedom, many thousands of our people have shown maximum bravery, nearly 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been awarded state awards. “298 Ukrainians and Ukrainian women received the highest title of Hero of Ukraine.

And we all have to honor and remember these people - our heroes - now and after our victory. Both our children, our grandchildren, and all generations of the Ukrainian people. Thank you, the heroes of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!" - said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 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 called.

“We will be able to tell about the real powerful achievements of these Heroes of Ukraine only after our victory. And be sure to tell you, ”he added. At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that a large part of the Heroes of Ukraine, whose names he called, was awarded this title. The attendees paid a moment of silence to the 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 are awarded today by state awards - Orders for Courage - for feats that defend life and a beautiful state. Thank you!" Said the President. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to the National Guard to the National Guard.