Crimean Tatar Community Members Receive State Honors
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented state awards to members of the Crimean Tatar community. The recipients include activists, journalists, athletes, human rights defenders, artists, and teachers, recognized under Presidential Decrees No. 289/2026 and No. 293/2026. This recognition comes as Ukraine continues to assert its sovereignty and support its indigenous communities amidst ongoing conflict.
Award Recipients
- Ilmi Umerov, awarded the Order of Merit, First Class. In 2016, he was sentenced to two years in a penal colony by a court in Simferopol but was released and transferred to Ukraine in October 2017 through Turkish mediation.
- Akim Halimov, awarded the Order of Merit, Second Class.
- Arsen Zhumadilov, awarded the Order of Merit, Third Class. He has served as Director of the Defense Procurement Agency since March 2025.
- Irfan Mirzoyev, the 2025 world champion and 2023 world vice-champion (U-23) in Greco-Roman wrestling.
- Aider Rustemov, head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea, and Nariman Suleimanov, head of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.
- Leniie Umerova, who was illegally detained by Russian forces in December 2022 and released as part of a prisoner exchange in September 2024.
- Emine Emirsaliieva, awarded the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class.
- Dzhemil Karikov, who received the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, and Rustem Skybin, who received the title of People's Painter of Ukraine.
- Gulnaz Adzhihelidiieva, awarded the title of Honored Teacher of Ukraine.
- Nadzhiie Ametova, awarded the title of Honored Journalist of Ukraine. Her father, Kyazym Ametov, spent four years in prison and under house arrest from 2017.
- Sabriie Slastion, awarded the title of Honored Education Worker of Ukraine.
- Mustafa Ametov and Suleiman Mamutov, both awarded the Order of Merit, Third Class.
- Suleiman Mamutov, who in 2022 became the first Ukrainian to be elected as an expert member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
- Afize Emiramzaieva, also awarded the title of Honored Teacher of Ukraine.
The Muslim community of Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people are observing their 13th Ramadan under conditions of aggression. These awards acknowledge the contributions of Crimean Tatars to Ukraine's development and their struggle for rights and freedoms. The Crimean Tatars, an indigenous people of the peninsula, have faced severe persecution since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.
This step underscores the significant role of the Crimean Tatar people in contemporary Ukraine, particularly during the ongoing war. Honoring prominent members of this community highlights their contributions to preserving culture, education, and human rights.
Amidst the profound challenges facing the country, such recognition can serve as a source of inspiration for continued efforts in the struggle for the rights and freedoms of all Ukrainians.
In addition to the recent awards, President Zelenskyy has also signed important decrees that underscore the status of the Mejlis and further honor the contributions of the Crimean Tatar community. These initiatives reflect Ukraine's commitment to defending the rights of indigenous peoples and preserving their cultural heritage. To learn more about the implications of these decrees and their significance for the Crimean Tatar community, visit the detailed report here.