Zelensky presents state awards to Ukrainian border guards

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree presenting state awards to defenders of the Ukrainian border on the occasion of the Border Guards Day.

According to the document, 11 border guards were awarded for their significant personal contribution to guarding the state border and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the presidential press service reported.

"Reliable protection of the state border depends not only on modern weapons and equipment, but first and foremost, on people, on their professionalism, determination and readiness to defend. I believe that our borders will soon be peaceful again. I wish Ukrainian border guards professional success, happiness and prosperity to their families," Zelensky said.

He also noted the special contribution of the defenders of state borders in ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

"Today, a Ukrainian border guard is not only the face of the country which people see when they cross the state border at checkpoints. This is, first of all, a defender of the state who is responsible to the people for the inviolability of the border and its security," Zelensky said.

He recalled that border guards were among the first to defend Ukraine in 2014, demonstrating their loyalty to the country and indomitable spirit.

The Border Guards Day is a professional holiday for Ukrainian border guards. It is marked annually on April 30.

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