On the occasion of Independence Day of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards, honors and combat flags to military units

On the occasion of Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the first Lady Elena Zelenska took part in solemn events on Sofia Square in Kiev. The President presented state awards, honors with military units and combat flags with honorary names. “Today we all celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence together. 32 years of continuous independence, which will continue. Which we will not break.

And which Ukrainians will not be released from their hands, ”the head of state emphasized in the speech. According to him, throughout the long history of Ukrainian statehood, the generation of Ukrainians fought for their land and freedom, won freedom and won. “Remember why the Ukrainian people have passed. We see what is threatening. We fight with the enemy. And we know what we know.

We can win! And let's win! Ukrainian children in Ukrainian squares and streets will also celebrate Ukrainian independence. Our grandchildren will celebrate. And their grandchildren. Similarly with friends of our country. With allies and partners of Ukraine, which Ukraine will choose for itself, always freely, ”the Head of State said.

High guests from foreign states, including the President of the Portuguese Republic of Marcel Rebel de Souza, President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseas, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Jonas Gar Stere and the chairman of the Bosnida and Herzegovina, participated in the celebrations. Bechirovich. “Ukraine is heard by the world. Supports. The world is with Ukraine. Helps. But whatever happens in the world, Ukraine must be able to protect itself.

Always, ”said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We will give Ukraine a force that is enough to win," he added. For personal courage and heroism, revealed in the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the dedicated service of the Ukrainian people was presented by the head of state "Golden Star" by the commander of the Air Forces Command of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Anatoly Kryvonozh. Hero of Ukraine.

Due to its skillful command, more than 1160 air purposes, more than 100 land targets and one surface target have been destroyed within the responsibility zone. Volodymyr Zelensky also presented the Order of the Hero of Ukraine to the soldier of the State Border Guard Service Ivan Kyshenko, who took a fire position on July 22, 2023 and entered an unequal battle with an opponent who had a numerous advantage.

The soldier not only ensured the maintenance of the entrusted border, but also evacuated the dead, wounded brothers from the battlefield, provided them with emergency medical care. The border warrior suffered injuries and, despite this, defended the position for six hours, spending all the available combat and backup kitten. The next day, the soldier exhausted and exhausted by the battle came to the area of ​​the Armed Forces forces.

From the hands of the President of the Golden Star, the Hero of Ukraine received the junior sergeant Vasyl Burmech. Volodymyr Zelensky also passed the Order of the Golden Star to the wife of senior lieutenant Vitaliy Bondaruk, awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously. He personally destroyed the enemy group and gave his life, saving his subordinate personnel.

The head of state presented the Order of the Mother of Hero of Ukraine Major Vitaliy Blazhko, who participated in the fighting in the Mariupol direction from the first day of the Russian invasion. The major died during a battle with an opponent in the territory of the Metallurgical Plant "Azovstal".

The title of Hero of Ukraine was also posthumously awarded by Major Sergey Lysenko, who since the beginning of Russia's large -scale aggression against Ukraine has participated directly in the defense of Kiev. Then he performed combat and special tasks in Zaporizhzhya, Luhansk and Donetsk regions. He died in November 2022, causing fire for the sake of saving the lives of his brothers. The Golden Star Order passed on the mother of the defender.

Volodymyr Zelensky presented the highest military distinction of the President of Ukraine "Cross of Combat Merit". From the hands of the head of state received it a senior combat physician, a junior sergeant Lyubov Konovalenko, who in April 2022 voluntarily mobilized to the Armed Forces, was at support and command and survey points of the first line, where she provided qualified domedic assistance to the wounded soldiers. She saved the lives of many defenders of Ukraine with her actions.

The Cross of Combat merit also noted Lieutenant Colonel Mykola Kudry, who in September 2022 participated in the liberation of settlements of Kharkiv region. He later participated in the fights for the cities of Yampil and Bakhmut of Donetsk region. Destroyed more than a dozen enemies.

In addition, the President awarded the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Service, the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, the SES of Bohdan Khmelnitsky II and III degrees, "for courage" of I -III degrees, Danylo Galicia, and Prince Yaroslav Wise. degrees, "for merits" of II and III degrees, Order of Princess Olga III degrees, and medals "for work and torture".

In order to commemorate high professionalism, combat merit, courage and courage of military units, Vladimir Zelensky presented the President of Ukraine "For Courage and Courage" of the 208th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade 124th Separate Brigade of Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces, the 8th Border Squad of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the 9th Border Squad named after the Sich Riflemen of the State Tax Service National Guard.

The Head of State also presented the Fighting Flags of the 67th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces, the 77th separate airmobile brigade of the Airborne Air Force, the 385th separate brigade of naval unmanned the special purpose of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces.