Honoring Heroes: New Awards for Ukraine's Defenders

President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded state honors to a new group of heroes, including 282 individuals recognized posthumously.

The decrees, published on August 23 on the president's official website, highlight the importance of personal courage in defending Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.

According to decree №623/2025, 535 members of the National Guard, police, and rescue services were honored, with 153 receiving awards posthumously. Decree №624/2025 recognizes 504 military personnel, with 129 honored after their passing. The defenders received the orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi II and III degrees, Daniel of Galicia, the “For Courage” awards of I, II, and III degrees, and medals for “Military Service to Ukraine,” “Defender of the Fatherland,” “For Saving Life,” and “For Impeccable Service.”