Honoring Ukrainian Soldiers: A Lasting Tradition of Gratitude
President Volodymyr Zelensky presented 25 certificates for apartments to Heroes of Ukraine and family members of servicemen who posthumously received the title Hero of Ukraine. The event took place on 19 August 2026 and was part of a long-standing practice of showing appreciation, beginning with a moment of silence in memory of fallen troops.
This recognition also underscores the country’s broader commitment to supporting those who have defended Ukraine during the full-scale war and to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The certificates went to service members from multiple branches of the armed forces, including:
- Air Force
- Unmanned Systems Forces
- Air Assault Forces
- Territorial Defense Forces
- Ground Forces
- Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- National Guard of Ukraine
The honorees had distinguished themselves in battle in the Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions, as well as during the Kursk operation.
President Zelensky emphasized the importance of gratitude, saying: “Today we continue a tradition, a very important tradition of appreciation — our gratitude to Ukraine’s exemplary and strong warriors, our Heroes, who have done the most, the bravest, to defend Ukraine, to defend our land, to defend our positions.”
Zelensky also spoke about the need to support and respect those protecting the country: “Gratitude is something that must accompany honor, be an inseparable feature of a normal state, a normal society, normal people. This is exactly the kind of gratitude we demonstrate when we fulfill the promise to give a home to every Hero.”
The ceremony served as a clear reminder that the memory of fallen defenders and their contribution to Ukraine’s independence remains a vital part of the nation’s consciousness. Providing housing to Heroes and their loved ones not only helps families in need but also reinforces a culture of appreciation, reminding society of the value of every soldier’s sacrifice. This tradition of support must continue, as the memory of Ukraine’s Heroes belongs in the hearts of the nation.
The commitment to support Ukraine's defenders goes beyond today's ceremony. As the nation continues to honor its heroes, the promise to provide housing for every hero remains a crucial part of this ongoing effort, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their families are cared for in the future.