Zelensky awarded defenders of Odesa and Kherson regions on Constitution Day

On the occasion of the Constitution Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded state decorations to Ukrainians who showed courage and dedication in defending the country. Among them are soldiers and volunteers who, in particular, defended Odesa and Kherson regions.

This was reported by the official website of the President of Ukraine.

At a ceremony in Kyiv, the President presented the highest awards, including the Golden Star Order, to the families of the fallen Heroes of Ukraine.

Colonel Viktor Polyvianyi played a key role in the defense of Odesa region at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion - under his command, an attempted landing of enemy marines was thwarted. Thanks to the anti-aircraft missile cover system he built, more than 700 air targets were destroyed and Zmeinyi Island was liberated. On January 14, 2023, Polyvianyi's unit shot down Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft for the first time in the history of the Ukrainian Air Force. He died on September 1 last year as a result of an Iskander missile strike on his unit's position.

Senior Lieutenant Mykola Skydan fought in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Sumy regions. He repeatedly evacuated his wounded comrades and returned to the battle to deter enemy attacks. During one of the battles, his reconnaissance group was threatened with encirclement. Skydan ordered the soldiers to retreat, and he covered their retreat. He died from wounds sustained as a result of an enemy FPV drone explosion.

Among the awardees are units directly defending the southern regions. In particular, the 34th Kherson Regiment, as well as the 17th Poltava and 47th Engineer Brigades, which are participating in the liberation of the south, received honorable awards.

The President emphasized that the heroism of Ukrainians is not only the fulfillment of the constitutional duty, but also the call of the heart.

Ukraine is and will be on the ground, Ukrainians are and will be on the ground. And this is both our goal and our common duty," Zelenskyy said.

Some combat units also received ribbons of honor. Among them is the 35th Regiment of the National Guard, which was named "Sumy," and the battle flags were handed over to the commanders of the units that play a key role in training and combat operations.

The President drew special attention to civilians - educators, doctors, artists, journalists - who continue to work in the face of war. According to Zelenskyy, their efforts are part of a large front in the struggle for independence. In addition, the President of Ukraine presented the Order of Freedom to the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.

In March, servicemen from Kherson region were honored with state awards for their courage and heroism in the fight against Russian invaders. They have been defending Ukraine since 2014 and took part in rescue operations, including after the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.

In Mykolaiv, 54 defenders who made a significant contribution to the city's defense were honored on the Day of Ukrainian Volunteer. On this occasion, the honorary award "For the Defense of Mykolaiv" was introduced in two degrees: The first degree was for the military who defended the city with arms, and the second degree was for volunteers and activists who helped without arms.

Анна Бальчінос