President Meets Ukrainian Infantry on Their Professional Day
On May 6, Infantry Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gathered with Ukrainian ground troops to honor their service. During the ceremony, he presented state decorations, including the Order of the Golden Star, to the families of fallen Heroes of Ukraine and to soldiers who demonstrated exceptional bravery in combat. Five warriors also received the Cross of Military Merit. Additionally, the president handed over battle flags to the 151st and 156th separate mechanized brigades, underscoring the critical role these units play in defending the nation.
Honored Heroes Recognized
Among those awarded the Order of the Golden Star posthumously is Lieutenant Oleh Kutsyn, who died on June 19, 2022, in the Kharkiv region. In 2014, Kutsyn formed and led the separate volunteer company 'Carpathian Sich,' which was later renamed the 49th separate assault battalion 'Carpathian Sich' in December 2023. Other posthumous recipients include soldier Oleksandr Svishch, killed on September 11, 2023, near Andriivka in Donetsk region, and soldier Anatolii Musiienko, who died on October 29, 2024, from a gunshot wound. Musiienko personally eliminated about 30 occupiers in a single week; on the day of his death, he took down four enemy fighters and captured two.
Living heroes who received the Order of the Golden Star include soldier Yaroslav Kolomiiets, who spent 351 consecutive days on the front lines in Donetsk region, and Captain Oleksii Mykhailov, who held a company strongpoint in Zaporizhzhia region for 343 days. The president also honored soldiers Yaroslav Zhylin, Borys Kapelko, Colonel Vitalii Nashchubskyi, Dmytro Ternopolia, and Artem Yakovenko with the Cross of Military Merit. Notably, Borys Kapelko eliminated roughly 150 occupiers and struck more than 10 tanks during 2024–2025.
'The fate of the Ukrainian flag in every populated area depends on their actions on the ground.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Several brigades were recognized at the event: the 151st and 156th separate mechanized brigades received battle flags, while the 23rd, 115th, and 116th separate mechanized brigades were awarded the 'For Courage and Valor' distinction, confirming their substantial contributions to national defense and the fight against aggression.
This occasion served as a powerful symbol of acknowledging the heroism of Ukrainian infantry soldiers and commemorating fallen defenders.
The presentation of awards and battle flags during the Infantry Day celebration highlights the recognition of Ukrainian servicemembers' efforts in countering external aggression. It also underscores the importance of moral support for troops and their families during challenging times. Events of this scale not only honor heroes but also boost the morale of both military personnel and civilians, reminding everyone of the value of unity in Ukraine's struggle for independence.
In addition to the recent honors, the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers continues to be recognized at various levels. For instance, a Ukrainian border guard, known by the call sign 'Killer,' was awarded the Gold Star by President Zelenskyy after heroically evacuating 23 wounded comrades during a critical operation. This act of valor highlights the extraordinary sacrifices made by our defenders. To learn more about this remarkable story, visit the full report here.