President Meets with Soldiers and Families of the Fallen
On March 14, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with soldiers and the families of fallen defenders to mark Ukrainian Volunteer Day. During the ceremony, he presented state awards, including the 'Gold Star' order to the families of deceased Heroes of Ukraine and the 'Cross of Military Merit' to other soldiers. Those in attendance honored the memory of the fallen with a moment of silence.
Ukrainian Volunteer Day
Ukrainian Volunteer Day was established by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2017. This day has become a symbol of honoring the courage and bravery of those who voluntarily stepped forward to defend the country. During the solemn event, President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians have repeatedly proven their ability to fight for their freedom and protect their homeland. This annual observance highlights the immense contribution of citizen-soldiers to Ukraine's defense since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
'Only those blinded by propaganda, like the Russians, could think they might succeed in taking Ukraine and subjugating all of us. Anyone who truly knows Ukrainians also knows that we will not surrender our country and will be able to defend our dignity.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The highest state honors were awarded posthumously to:
- Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Kovalenko, who died on August 24, 2023;
- Lieutenant Anatolii Liptsei, who died in January 2023;
- Captain Vladyslav Seniuk, who died on September 25, 2025;
- Senior Lieutenant Oleh Cherkasenko, who died on May 11, 2023.
President Zelenskyy also presented the 'Gold Star' of Hero of Ukraine to Senior Lieutenant Andrii Bublyk.
Furthermore, the 'Cross of Military Merit' was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Yegor Nozdriakov, Sergeant Volodymyr Rudenko, and Lieutenant Colonel Bohdan Skrypnyk. The ceremony also included the presentation of other awards, such as the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi (First Class), 'For Courage' (First and Third Class), the Order of Yaroslav the Wise (Fifth Class), 'For Merits' (Third Class), and the 'For Saving a Life' medal. These decorations symbolize recognition of the heroism and self-sacrifice of Ukrainian defenders in the fight for the nation's independence and territorial integrity.
This event underscores the importance of honoring the memory of fallen heroes and supporting their families, while also demonstrating the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people in defending their sovereignty. The awarding of these honors not only pays tribute to those who have died but also inspires living defenders to continue the struggle for peace and stability in Ukraine. Ukrainian Volunteer Day stands as a powerful example of national unity and patriotism during the country's most challenging times.