Award Ceremony on Ukraine's Constitution Day
On June 28, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state honors to both military personnel and civilians during a ceremony held at the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The event commemorated fallen Heroes of Ukraine and recognized those still fighting for the nation's independence. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the deceased.
Honorees: Service Members and Civilians Recognized
Among those receiving awards were:
- Sergeant Serhiy Lazar and Captain Oleksandr Podvyshennyi, both posthumously awarded the Order of the Gold Star.
- Sergeant Yehor Hlotov, Junior Sergeant Vasyl Kuts, Captain Serhiy Khlystunov, and Chief Sergeant Artem Zhuravel, recognized for their service.
- Soldier Roman Stasiuk, Andriy Shkurup, Vitaliy Yarovyi, and Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Voloshyn, who received the Cross of Military Merit.
Civilian recipients included:
- Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Third Class.
- Metropolitan Epiphanius, honored with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Fifth Class.
- Athlete Liudmyla Luzan, who received the Order of Merit, Third Class.
- Andriy Tsaplienko, a well-known journalist, awarded the National Legend of Ukraine distinction.
Addressing the attendees, President Zelenskyy underscored the significance of the Constitution. He stated:
“Without the millions of Ukrainians ready to defend our independence, any articles of the Constitution would be nothing more than letters on paper.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The President also noted that 'This is symbolic, a reflection of our maturity and, in particular, our understanding of Ukraine's Constitution.' He emphasized that even what 'may not be directly written in Ukraine's Constitution certainly aligns with the spirit of the law.'
The ceremony took place against the backdrop of recent events, including a Russian strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on June 15, 2026. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of such moments in the context of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Constitution. State awards were also given for courage and bravery displayed during official duties, as well as for rescue actions in emergency situations.
The event concluded with the honoring of Chaplain Vasyl Fedorenko, who was returned from captivity on June 14, 2025, and student Karina Oliynik, who received the Medal for Saving a Life. This ceremony underscored the resilience and dedication of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and independence.
Held at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the award ceremony highlighted the importance of recognizing heroism among both military and civilian individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's defense. Presenting these honors on Constitution Day reinforced the connection between military valor and the foundational principles of Ukrainian statehood. Amid ongoing aggression, it remains crucial to boost morale and honor those fighting for the nation's independence.
In addition to the awards presented during the ceremony, President Zelenskyy also took significant steps to formalize these honors through a recent decree. This move reflects the government's commitment to recognizing the contributions of both military personnel and civilians in the ongoing struggle for Ukraine's sovereignty. For further details on the state medals and titles awarded, you can read more about the recent decree signed by Zelenskyy.