The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, awarded outstanding public figures, cultural and sports figures, as well as military personnel and doctors, who made a significant contribution to the development of the country and support of national values.
This became known from a video published by Zelensky on social networks.
The award ceremony took place in the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv.
The President presented awards to the following figures:
- American philanthropist Howard Buffett,
- painter Oleksandr Dubovyk,
- Oleg Korostelov, general director of the Kyiv design bureau "Luch",
- Brigadier General of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU Ivan Lukashevich,
- composer Ihor Poklad,
- boxer Oleksandr Usyk,
- fencer Olga Harlan,
- surgeon of the Central Clinical Hospital of the State Border Service Vitaliy Khmel,
- guide Iryna Yurchenko,
- film director Serhii Paradzhanov (posthumously),
- singer Nina Matvienko (posthumously).
"It is an honor for me today to award true legends of Ukraine. We celebrate all those who strengthen our warriors, strengthen them daily and inspire them. These are people who glorify Ukraine, strengthening our defense and inspiring all citizens of Ukraine... We are infinitely grateful and very happy that we live in a country that has united such respectable and talented people," Zelenskyy said.
