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 the defenders of “Azovstal” who returned to their homeland today: the commander of the separate special unit of the National Guard “Azov” Denys Prokopenko, his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, the acting commander of the 36th separate brigade of marines Serhii Volynskyi, senior officer of “Azova” Oleg Khomenko and commander of the 12th brigade of the National Guard Denys Shlega. Before the start of the meeting, the fighters greeted their relatives and friends.
In addition, the following took part in the events: Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Chief of the Lviv Regional Military Administration Maksym Kozytskyi.
Addressing the soldiers and the entire Ukrainian people, the Head of State noted 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,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
The President emphasized that on the 500th day of the war, our state brought home five Heroes of Ukraine – commanders of the defense of Mariupol and Azovstal.
“They fought heroically! They went through Russian captivity. Then they were in Turkey for more than 300 days. It’s time for them to be at home,” emphasized the Head of State.
He also thanked the team that is working for the return of Ukrainians home: the head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense Kyryll Budanov, the Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, who were present at the event, as well as the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Rustem Umyerov, the head of the Security Service Vasyl Malyuk and his employees. In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed his gratitude to Turkey and personally to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 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 emphasized.
According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale war for freedom, many thousands of our people have shown maximum courage, almost 50 thousand 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, and our grandchildren, and all generations of the Ukrainian people. Thank you, heroes of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!” Volodymyr Zelenskyi 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 powerful achievements of these Heroes of Ukraine only after our victory. And we will definitely tell,” he added.
At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyi noted that a significant part of the Heroes of Ukraine, whose names he 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 have been awarded state awards – the “For Courage” orders – for the exploits with which you defend life and the beautiful state. Thank you!” – said the President.
Volodymyr 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, the selfless service to the Ukrainian people, the soldiers were awarded the “For Courage” orders 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!” – summed up the Head of State.