Four Interior Ministry Service Members Recognized with State Awards by President Zelensky

State Honors for Interior Ministry Personnel

According to МВС: On the occasion of Youth Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented state awards to four servicemen from Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs system. At a ceremony attended by Interior Minister Ivan Vyhovskyi, the awards honored their bravery and dedication in carrying out official duties.

The Award Recipients

The honorees come from four different agencies within the Interior Ministry: the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the State Border Guard Service.

• Oleksandr Smoliar – senior police lieutenant, awarded the Order of Merit, Third Class. He personally made 92 evacuation trips and saved at least 206 people, including 26 children and 34 people with limited mobility. He returned to duty after being seriously wounded in an enemy drone strike.
• Radion Vatsiuk – a rescuer with the State Emergency Service, also awarded the Order of Merit, Third Class, for responding to more than 50 emergency incidents during the full-scale war.
• Andrii Veselovskyi – lieutenant of the National Guard of Ukraine, awarded the Order for Courage, Third Class, for eliminating two enemy soldiers and providing first aid to Ukrainian troops during a combat mission in the Kharkiv region.
• Mykola Hontar – senior lieutenant of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, awarded the Order for Courage, Third Class, for leading assault and reconnaissance groups, rescuing wounded personnel, and coordinating their evacuation.

These decorations highlight the courage and selflessness of service members in wartime. They also underscore the essential role of the Interior Ministry in protecting civilians and saving lives during emergencies. Ceremonies like this help strengthen morale among both military personnel and the broader public, demonstrating that Ukraine stands by its heroes.

In addition to recognizing the bravery of these servicemen, President Zelensky also honored the families of fallen heroes, showcasing the government's commitment to supporting those who have sacrificed for the nation. For instance, a recent ceremony highlighted the emotional moment when the mother of a fallen soldier received a state award, while his children were granted passports. This act not only acknowledges their loss but also demonstrates the ongoing support for military families in these challenging times. To learn more about this touching event, click here.