Our statehood is the achievement of anyone who is fighting, working, uniting the world, learning, spreading the truth and preparing responsibility for Russia - Volodymyr Zelenskyy 

President Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of Baptism of Kievan Rus - Ukraine noted the state awards of the military and representatives of other professions and presented their passports to Ukrainians who were 14 years old.   The head of state noted that the path of Ukraine has never been simple and the Ukrainian state retains its independence for every bold and indifferent Ukrainian.

  “Our statehood is your achievement: everyone who is fighting, working, unites the world, learns, spreads the truth and preparing responsibility for Russia against us. Our statehood is you, everyone and anyone who is experiencing Ukraine is proud of Ukraine and does everything that Ukraine can win, ”he said.   The attendees honored the memory of all who gave their lives for Ukraine, a moment of silence.

  Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Order of the Golden Star to the native Heroes of Ukraine. This title was awarded: Captain Ivan Goncharenko. Last year, he managed the defense of positions in the Bigorivka area, during the Russian offensive he personally damaged two tanks and two BMPs. He was injured, but refused evacuation. Ivan Goncharenko died on February 6 this year, when he organized the departure of subordinate fighters from the shelling.   Soldier Yuriy Glyanchuk.

He participated in hostilities in the Avdeevsky direction. He was injured, but was able to evacuate three wounded brothers. Despite the mortar shelling, he moved to fire positions and fired continuously on the defeat. This has succeeded in maintaining the position. Yuriy Glyanchuk died on May 15, 2023 from a sniper's bullet.   Captain Vladimir Golyadinets. Thanks to his command, about 30 enemy offensives near Avdiivka and 15 attacks near Krasnogorivka.

On October 19, 2023, Vladimir Golyadinets personally tried to evacuate from the battlefield of the wounded brother, but came under mortar fire and died as a result of injuries.   The Head of State also presented the Order of the Golden Star to two heroes of Ukraine - the senior sergeant Nicholas Kozak and the senior soldier Ivan Chorny.

Mykola Kozak in 2022 during the advance of Russian invaders in Kherson region from a grenade launcher struck the tank and destroyed two firing positions - the enemy was forced to leave. In Donetsk, he took command of the unit on himself, brought his personnel to a new line, ensured the maintenance of the defense line and did not allow the enemy's breakthrough. Ivan Black in October last year took a fight against four Russian invaders who were landed with BMP.

Armed with a grenade and grenade, suppressed the fire resistance on its own and destroyed the entire landing group. He later seized and occupied hostile fortifications and destroyed five Russian invaders - three in the Rifle battle and two in an earthen shelter. The President presented the Cross of Merit Cross to the soldiers. It received: Sergeant Valentin Martynov. In October 2022, his unit reflected the dense attacks of the enemy to prevent the breakthrough of the defense line under the coledar.

He personally got out of the rubble of five brothers, provided them with first aid and helped to evacuate them to a safe place.   Major Denis Malish. He personally entered the melee with the forces of the enemy who prevailed. In August 2023, the assault group under his leadership conducted offensive actions near Verbov and Small Tokmachka. Denis Malysh was wounded, but continued to control the fighters.

  The Head of State also noted the defenders of the orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi III degree, "for courage" of the 3rd degree, Princess Olga of the 3rd degree and "for services" of the 3rd degree.   In addition, the President presented state awards and celebrated the honorary titles of representatives of other professions, including employees of Kharkiv and Trypillian TPPs, Dnipro hydroelectric power plants, communal enterprises, as well as educators and doctors.