“Ukrainians did not betray their independence, the world did not falter in supporting Ukraine,” — Volodymyr Zelensky during the awarding of servicemen
On the second anniversary of the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky met with servicemen who participated in the defense of Antonov airport, and presented state awards. Among them are employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The ceremony was also attended by: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic George Meloni, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Alexander De Crowe, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
“Today we are in a symbolic place, in Gostomel. It was here that Putin wanted to win the battle for our capital, the battle for Kiev — the key battle of the blazkrieg that he planned. And it was here that he suffered his first and fundamental defeat. When our soldiers destroyed the landing of Russian assassins and prevented Russia from establishing its bridgehead here, the world saw the most important thing. I saw that any evil could be broken. And Russian is no exception,” the Head of State said.
The president expressed confidence that all Russian killers, starting with Putin, will be held accountable for what has been committed in Ukraine.
“We will ensure justice for Ukraine. And through this battle of ours, the world will surely be convinced again that there is no one stronger than a people who believe in themselves. This is one of the most important rules of life in the world: nations must believe in themselves so as not to allow anyone to break their lives. I am proud of our people, I am proud of our Ukrainian people! And let us all be worthy of those of our bravest people who at different times fought for Ukraine, fought for freedom and gave their lives so that Ukraine could live,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Thus, during the ceremony, the President awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and awarded the order to the grenade launcher of the National Guard, Senior Sergeant Ilya Zheveda, who in June 2022 showed courage and courage in stopping the overwhelming forces of the Russian occupiers in the Donetsk region, helped repel the offensive of the enemy. In March, he and his brothers were ambushed, but in a difficult situation, Ilya Zheved quickly organized a defense and destroyed enemy armored vehicles and about ten occupiers. During the enemy shelling, he managed to cover his wounded brother with his body, and he himself suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. However, he continued to skillfully lead the fire and made it possible to evacuate the wounded comrade.
In addition, the Head of State presented the “Golden Star” to the Hero of Ukraine, Captain of the Maritime Guard of the State Border Service Petr Melnyk. Under his leadership, the border detachment in the spring of 2022 performed tasks in Mariupol in the absence of stable communication, under constant rocket and artillery, rocket and bomb attacks of the enemy, against the background of a humanitarian disaster and in the conditions of the actual environment. In the Mariupol sea trading port, a group of border guards under the leadership of Petro Melnyk repelled several enemy advances. In mid-April 2022, the border guards relocated to the Azovstal plant. The captain personally participated in operations to evacuate wounded personnel by air.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also presented the Presidential Award “Cross of Combat Merit” to the special purpose sergeant of the special purpose battalion “Donbass” of the National Guard of Ukraine Olena Dubyn.
The Order “For Courage” of the II degree was received by Colonel of the Civil Protection Service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Igor Ovcharuk.
In addition, the President awarded the Order “For Courage” of the III degree to the head of the Department “Rapid Action Corps” of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kherson region Oleg Baranetsky.
According to the materials of the Office of the President of Ukraine
