Mykolaiv Honors 54 Defenders on Ukrainian Volunteer Day with New Awards

Mykolaiv honored 54 defenders who made a significant contribution to the city's defense on the Day of Ukrainian Volunteer. Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych presented honorary awards and thanked the volunteers for their courage and self-sacrifice.

This was reported by the press service of the Mykolaiv City Council.

On March 14, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Ukrainian Volunteer, a day that honors those who have not hesitated to defend their country. This holiday was established in 2014, when the first volunteer battalion of Maidan participants was formed.

With the outbreak of a full-scale war in 2022, thousands of Ukrainians voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the territorial defense. Mykolaiv, being on the front line, became a center of patriotism, where local residents actively joined the fight for the country's independence.

To honor the heroism and dedication of the city's defenders, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych introduced the honorary award "For the Defense of Mykolaiv", which has two levels: I - for the military who defended the city with arms, and II - for volunteers and activists who supported the defense without arms.

At the awarding ceremony, the mayor congratulated the servicemen and expressed his gratitude to each of them.

It is a special honor for me to congratulate you on Volunteer Day. Those who, on their own initiative, at the call of their hearts, went to defend their homeland," Senkevich said.

"On this day, 54 heroes who showed their courage and bravery during the fighting received awards.

Recently, police officers from Mykolaiv region who died during the war were posthumously awarded the "For Defense of Ukraine" decoration. State awards were also presented to 24 law enforcement officers who continue to defend the country. In February, soldiers of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, the 80th, 82nd and 95th Air Assault Brigades were awarded the St. Nicholas the Wonderworker honorary award.

Last December, the fallen soldier from Mykolaiv region was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The National Guard officer not only distinguished himself in combat, but also rescued about 50 civilians from bomb shelters in Siverskodonetsk, including 11 children. His life was tragically cut short on August 18, 2022, during an enemy shelling of the position where he was stationed.

Анна Бальчінос