Presidential Awards and 'Hero City' Honors Bestowed
During a session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to representatives of local governments and military administrations. The event also saw a number of cities receive the honorary distinction of 'Hero City of Ukraine'. This title is a significant national honor, recognizing extraordinary resilience and sacrifice.
The 'Hero City of Ukraine' status was established in March 2022. To date, more than twenty Ukrainian cities hold this prestigious title. Among the Hero Cities from Donetsk Oblast are:
- Druzhkivka
- Kostiantynivka
- Kramatorsk
- Pokrovsk
- Sloviansk
Zaporizhzhia Oblast is represented by the cities of Huliaipole and Orikhiv, while Kharkiv Oblast is represented by Kupiansk. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the following received Hero City status:
- Marhanets
- Nikopol
- Pavlohrad
Khmelnytskyi Oblast can take pride in Starokostiantyniv, and Sumy Oblast in the cities of Sumy and Trostianets.
Awards Presented at the Congress Session
Among those honored at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Order of Merit, First Class, was awarded to Myrhorod City Mayor Serhii Solomakha. The Order of Merit, Third Class, was presented to:
- Yasinian Settlement Head Andrii Deliatynchuk
- Mahdalynivka Settlement Head Volodymyr Drobitko
- Velykoluchkivka Village Head Vasyl Koshtura
- Drabiv Settlement Head Svitlana Orel
- Head of the Borozenska Village Military Administration Aliona Okhrimovska
- Deputy of the Khust District Council Nazarii Pavlii
- Horodotske Village Head Serhii Polishchuk
- Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Council Anton Tabunshchyk
- Velykokuchurivka Village Head Vasyl Toderenchuk
The Order for Courage, Second Class, was awarded to Kharkiv City Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Also presented were the Order of Princess Olga, Second Class, to Svitlana Zachepila and the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class, to Olena Zhuk. These awards acknowledge the substantial contributions of local government and military administration representatives to the development and defense of Ukrainian cities during challenging times.
The presentation of awards and bestowal of honorary titles, such as 'Hero City of Ukraine', aims to bolster the morale of communities that have endured difficult periods, particularly under wartime conditions.
It also underscores the crucial role of local self-government in managing cities and regions, as well as in ensuring their security and development. The awards symbolize gratitude for the dedication and courage of local authorities working for the benefit of their communities. Such initiatives can foster societal unity and enhance trust in government bodies.
In addition to honoring cities with the prestigious 'Hero City' status, President Zelenskyy also recognized the families of fallen heroes during a separate ceremony. This event highlighted the government's commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. To learn more about the families who received Gold Star Awards, click here.