Constitution Day Honors: Zelenskyy Signs Decree Awarding State Medals and Titles

State Awards for Ukraine's Constitution Day

According to Главком: On the occasion of Ukraine’s Constitution Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Decree No. 532, granting state honors to a wide range of individuals. This annual tradition recognizes outstanding contributions across various fields, including the arts, education, sports, and public service. The decree highlights artists, teachers, athletes, politicians, and other figures who have significantly advanced the nation's development.

Among Those Recognized

The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, IV degree, has been awarded to:

• Mykola Yefremovych Polishchuk, President of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society;
• Andriy Pavlovych Raikovych, Head of the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration/Military Administration.

The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, V degree, has been conferred upon:

• Valeriy Anatoliyovych Bitayev, First Vice President of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine;
• Viktor Hryhorovych Hala, Head of the Agricultural Firm Kozatska LLC from Sumy region;
• Stepan Petrovych Higa (posthumously), singer and composer;
• Serhiy Petrovych Dumenko (Epiphanius), Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine;
• Sviatoslav Yuriyovych Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Among other honorees:

• The Order of Merit, I degree, was awarded posthumously to Stepan Ivanovych Kubiv, a People's Deputy of Ukraine;
• The Order of Merit, II degree, was granted to 8 individuals, including: A.D. Avanesyan, A.I. Burachyk, V.O. Danylyuk, V.V. Korniyenko, B.Y. Kofman, V.V. Kukhar, V.L. Manakin, and O.M. Shamych;
• The Order of Merit, III degree, was awarded to over 40 people, among them: A.O. Byednyakov (actor), M.O. Kyzymenko (tennis), L.V. Luzan (canoeing), M.M. Klymenko (posthumously, musician), O.V. Skrypnyk (composer), and A.S. Felfner (athletics).

Additionally, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, II degree, was awarded to Oleh Vasylyovych Synyehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration/Military Administration. The Order For Courage, II degree, was given to Ivan Serhiyovych Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration/Military Administration. The Order For Courage, III degree, was awarded posthumously to Dmytro Oleksandrovych Petlenko.

The Order of Princess Olga, I degree, was awarded to:

• A.O. Merkushyna (biathlon);
• H.M. Minayeva;
• A.A. Rybachok (canoeing).

The Order of Princess Olga, II degree, was granted to:

• V.V. Vovk;
• N.M. Zabolotna;
• L.O. Ishchuk.

The Order of Princess Olga, III degree, was awarded to 18 individuals, including H.S. Batkovska and L.S. Repetska (both singers).

The Medal For Military Service to Ukraine was awarded to V.V. Fedorenko, a military chaplain. The Medal For Saving a Life was given to K.V. Olyeinik (student) and O.M. Sereda (nurse). The Medal For Labor and Valor was awarded to 5 people, among them A.Y. Sokolov, editor-in-chief.

The Presidential Award "Future of Ukraine" was granted to A.Y. Hnatyshyn, the 2026 European Chess Champion. The title "People's Artist of Ukraine" was bestowed upon I.I. Bohdan and O.P. Kifyak-von-Kreimer. The title "Honored Artist of Ukraine" was awarded to 12 individuals, including H.A. Khostikoyev (actor).

The title "Honored Teacher of Ukraine" was given to N.L. Neshpir. The title "Honored Figure of Arts of Ukraine" was conferred upon 7 people, notably L.A. Deresh (writer) and S.V. Protsiuk (writer). The title "Honored Figure of Science and Technology of Ukraine" was awarded to 8 individuals, including V.V. Pavlikov (lieutenant colonel).

The title "Honored Donor of Ukraine" was awarded to V.I. Tymkiv, L.V. Tyapkin, and Y.A. Fedorchenko. The title "Honored Economist of Ukraine" was given to 7 people. The title "Honored Doctor of Ukraine" was awarded to 17 individuals.

Furthermore, the title "Honored Machine Builder of Ukraine" was given to V.V. Terlikovsky. The title "Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine" was awarded to 7 people. The title "Honored Worker of Education of Ukraine" was granted to 14 individuals, including S.V. Babak (MP) and Y.M. Hryshyna (MP). The title "Honored Worker of Healthcare of Ukraine" was given to S.O. Boichun and I.A. Fesun. The title "Honored Worker of Industry of Ukraine" was awarded to A.V. Borovyk. The title "Honored Worker of Agriculture of Ukraine" was given to N.H. Kozhukharenko. The title "Honored Worker of the Social Sphere of Ukraine" was awarded to N.M. Kosovan. The title "Honored Lawyer of Ukraine" was given to 8 people, including S.O. Kyslytsia and O.S. Starenky. The title "Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine" was awarded to 8 individuals, and the title "Honored Artist of Ukraine" was given to 7 people.

This decree underscores the significant contributions of Ukrainian citizens to the nation's development, particularly amid ongoing challenges. By recognizing achievements in fields ranging from medicine to the arts, the awards aim to boost public morale and inspire younger generations to strive for excellence in service to Ukraine.

In addition to the state awards granted on Constitution Day, it's important to recognize the ongoing efforts to honor those who have served the nation, particularly in security roles. Recently, President Zelenskyy also acknowledged the contributions of security personnel, with a significant number of awards given, including many posthumous recognitions. For further details on this commendable initiative, you can read more about the recognition of security forces and their vital role in safeguarding Ukraine.