Zelensky honors civilian and military volunteers, presents awards to families of fallen

President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the Ukrainian Volunteer Fighter Day by presenting state awards to servicemen of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine and civilian volunteers, and by handing posthumous awards to the families of the fallen.

According to Ukrinform, Zelensky reported this on Facebook.

The President stressed that after the attack in 2014 and following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Ukrainians volunteered to defend the country’s independence, statehood, and people.

“Every Ukrainian volunteer who chose to defend our country – and did not fear Russia – has, through their choice and faith in Ukraine, helped millions of others to stand with Ukraine and believe that Ukrainians can endure this war and defend themselves,” Zelensky said.

He also emphasized the heavy losses Ukraine has suffered during the war.

“We also remember how much this means for Ukraine and what kind of people we are, tragically, losing in this war. Ukrainians who stood to defend Ukraine and gave their lives so that Ukraine could live. We honor the memory of every one of our fallen warriors. Glory to all Ukrainian warriors, and gratitude to all Ukrainian volunteers!” the President concluded.

Earlier it was reported that Zelensky signed a decree awarding 34 citizens with state honors on the occasion of Ukrainian Volunteer Fighter Day.