Zelensky awards Hero of Ukraine title to six more defenders, five posthumously

The decrees to that effect, dated December 30, have been published on the president's official website, Ukrinform reports.

The documents state that the title was conferred for personal courage and heroism in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for devoted service to the Ukrainian people.

By Decree No. 1011/2025, the title of Hero, with the Order of the "Golden Star," was posthumously awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Shirpal. Decree No. 1012/2025 awarded it to Police Major Mykola Hetmanov, Decree No. 1013/2025 to Police Captain Dmytro Ahatiev, Decree No. 1014/2025 to Police Lieutenant Kyrylo Zibrov, and Decree No. 1015/2025 to Colonel Vasyl Simushyn.

According to Decree No. 1016/2025, the title of Hero of Ukraine, with the Order of the "Golden Star," was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Ovsiienko.

Earlier, on December 26, Zelensky awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to seven servicemen, four of them posthumously.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine