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The year 2025 has been marked by numerous award ceremonies in Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recognized the bravery and sacrifice of thousands. Notably, 433 defenders were honored, with 179 recognized posthumously. The awards highlight the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian forces amid ongoing conflict, including the awarding of Border Guard intelligence officers and the special ceremony for Mykola Shevchuk, who received the Gold Star. Zelenskyy also honored several U.S. Senators for their support against Russian aggression. These awards underscore Ukraine's ongoing commitment to sovereignty and the invaluable contributions of its allies and defenders. Such relentless recognition is vital in acknowledging those safeguarding Ukraine's freedom.

What are the recent award ceremonies held in Ukraine this year?

This year, Ukraine has witnessed numerous award ceremonies led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These events celebrate the courage and dedication of Ukrainian servicemen, with many awards also bestowed posthumously to honor fallen heroes. The ceremonies reflect the ongoing valor and sacrifices made by those defending Ukraine's sovereignty, including special recognitions like the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine and the Order of Freedom.

How many Ukrainian defenders were recognized by President Zelenskyy in 2025?

Throughout 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recognized the bravery of thousands of Ukrainian defenders. Significant mention is made of the 433 defenders recently awarded, with a notable 179 of those honors being posthumous, highlighting the profound sacrifices in the ongoing struggle for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.

What is the significance of the Hero of Ukraine title awarded this year?

The Hero of Ukraine title is the highest national distinction, representing ultimate valor and service. In 2025, this prestigious honor was awarded to outstanding individuals like Mykola Shevchuk and Oleksandr Dovhach. These awards emphasize their exceptional contributions to Ukraine's defense efforts, particularly amid the difficult circumstances of conflict.

Have international figures been recognized by Ukraine this year?

Yes, international figures have been recognized by Ukraine this year. Notably, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal were awarded by President Zelenskyy for their roles in initiating sanctions against Russia. Such awards highlight the significance of international support in Ukraine's ongoing defensive efforts.

What are some unique awards introduced by Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine introduced new awards, such as the "Future of Ukraine" award presented by President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. This accolade was first given to children, inspiring the next generation and recognizing their contributions and potential impact on the future of Ukraine amidst the broader context of national challenges.

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Zelenskyy presented the awards Zelenskyy presented awards to families of fallen Heroes of Ukraine and honoured military personnel. PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Golden Star of Heroes of Ukraine, presented the awards to the families of the fallen heroes, and honoured Ukrainian soldiers with other state awards. 1 888 42 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy honors 418 Ukrainian servicemembers with state awards, 127 posthumously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded state honors to 418 Ukrainian servicemembers, including 127 posthumously. 514 3 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Syrskyi Russians probably learned about military gathering in Dnipropetrovsk region through hacked group chat on social media, - Syrskyi Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russians had probably learned about the gathering of military personnel in Dnipropetrovsk region on 1 November, where 19 people were killed as a result of a missile strike, through a hacked group chat on social media. 14 230 137 Previously in trend: Russian strike at awards ceremony

suspicion of the commander Russian strike on military formation on 1 November: commander taken into custody without bail The commander of the unmanned systems unit has been remanded in custody without bail due to the deaths of military personnel and civilians during the celebrations. 8 739 48 Previously in trend: Russian strike at awards ceremony

suspicion of the commander Commander of unit who assembled soldiers for roll call on 1 November is under suspicion: 12 soldiers and 7 civilians were killed and dozens were wounded as result of Russian strike. PHOTO The commander of the unmanned systems unit has been notified of suspicion in connection with the deaths of military personnel and civilians during the celebrations. 11 710 101 Previously in trend: Russian strike at awards ceremony

During her visit to Kherson, Angelina Jolie was presented with a commemorative token. Angelina Jolie receives Kherson Hero City commemorative token. VIDEO The head of the Kherson CMA, Yaroslav Shanko, presented a token to Hollywood actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie during her visit to the city. 11 934 53 Previously in trend: Angelina Jolie’s visit to Ukraine

The President awarded the sappers Zelenskyy honoured soldiers of engineering troops with state awards. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the soldiers of the engineering troops on their professional holiday and awarded them with state awards. 1 419 8 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

The enemy attacked the military during the award ceremony Enemy hits awards ceremony for Ukrainian troops with ballistic missile on Saturday. Journalist Sviatnenko reports his brother’s death. VIDEO Russian troops could once again strike the place where Ukrainian soldiers were being awarded. 16 791 81 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

They have been holding their positions for 165 days. Awarding of TDF soldiers. Aliksieienko and Tishaev TDF Soldiers Aliksieienko and Tishaev, holding their positions on front line for 165 consecutive days, have been honoured with "Cross of Military Merit" President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees awarding the "Cross of Military Merit" to TDF soldiers Oleksandr Aliksieienko and Oleksandr Tishaiev, who have been holding their positions on the front line for 165 consecutive days. 3 517 14 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Zelenskyy awards 433 Ukrainian defenders, including 179 posthumously Zelenskyy awards 433 Ukrainian defenders, 179 of them posthumously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed decrees awarding 433 Ukrainian defenders, including 179 posthumously. 635 2 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Zelenskyy congratulates Border Guard intelligence officers and presents state awards Zelenskyy presents state awards to Border Guard intelligence officers President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated intelligence officers of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on their professional holiday and presented them with state awards. 1 374 10 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Commander of the Donbas Special Forces Battalion Mykola Shevchuk Skif Hero of Ukraine, Donbas battalion commander Mykola Shevchuk: "We have many people who influenced course of war through their actions and innovations". VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine to Mykola "Skif" Shevchuk, commander of the Donbas special-purpose battalion. 1 630 1 Previously in trend: Awarding the title Hero of Ukraine

Air Force Colonel Oleksandr Dovhach awarded Hero of Ukraine Air Force tactical aviation commander Oleksandr Dovhach awarded Hero of Ukraine By Presidential Decree No. 707/2025, Colonel Oleksandr Dovhach was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star. 2 741 4 Previously in trend: Awarding the title Hero of Ukraine

Zelenskyy honours rescuers with state awards Zelenskyy honours rescuers with state awards. VIDEO President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honoured employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine with state awards. The head of the state thanked the Ukrainian rescuers for their work. 449 2

Zelenskyy congratulated the scouts on their professional holiday and presented them with awards. Zelenskyy congratulates military intelligence officers and presents state awards. PHOTOS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated servicemen on Military Intelligence Day, which was marked the previous day, and presented them with state awards. 1 267 7 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Zelenskyy and Albanian PM Edi Rama had a phone call Zelenskyy awards state honors to 956 servicemen, 527 of them posthumously President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded state honors to 956 servicemen, 527 of them posthumously. 881 7 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Graham, Zelenskyy, Blumenthal Zelenskyy awards U.S. Senators Graham and Blumenthal who initiated sanctions against Russia President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Yaroslav the Wise, First Class, to US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, who initiated a bill imposing large-scale sanctions against Russia. 2 226 24 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia

Syrskyi Syrskyi visited Pokrovsk direction: awarded soldiers and discussed issues of additional supplies. PHOTOS I work in the combat areas. The Pokrovsk direction is where it is most difficult. Where the defence of Ukrainian Independence and the Ukrainian Flag are not just lofty words, but a daily risk and a daily feat. 2 098 6 Previously in trend: Syrskyi on the Donetsk region

Maksym Kryvtsov posthumously awarded title of Hero of Ukraine Zelenskyy has awarded (posthumous) title of Hero of Ukraine to poet and serviceman Maksym Kryvtsov President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has (posthumously) awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to poet and serviceman Maksym (Dali) Kryvtsov, who was killed in action last year. 1 322 1 Previously in trend: Awarding the title Hero of Ukraine

Zelenskyy awarded 268 heroes of Ukraine with state awards Zelenskyy honored 268 heroes of Ukraine with state awards, 62 of them posthumously Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded 268 military personnel and law enforcement officers for their heroism and dedication to Ukraine, including 62 posthumous awards in honor of fallen defenders. 1 004 0 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy honors 102 more defenders of Ukraine with state awards President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded state honors to 102 more defenders of Ukraine. 508 2 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Awarding of Ukrainian Air Force servicemen Zelenskyy awards three Air Forces officers title of Hero of Ukraine. PHOTOS On Air Forces Day, three officers were awarded the highest state honor — the title of Hero of Ukraine. 5 372 7 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Viktoria Roshchyna Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, killed in Russian captivity, awarded Order of Freedom Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Freedom to journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity. 942 4 Previously in trend: Death of Victoria Roshchyna

The occupiers buried the bodies of the teenagers in secret. Zelenskyy awarded Order of Freedom to 16-year-old Tihran Ohanesian and Mykyta Khanhanov, who were killed by occupiers in Berdiansk President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree awarding the Order of Freedom posthumously to Tihran Ohanesian and Mykyta Khanhanov, who were killed by Russian invaders on 24 June 2023 in the temporarily occupied Berdiansk. 7 684 23

Nauseda honours SOF soldiers for evacuating the body of a Lithuanian volunteer Nauseda honours SOF soldiers for evacuating fallen volunteer Valentėlis. PHOTOS Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda awarded the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the evacuation of the fallen Lithuanian volunteer Tomas Valentėlis, who had been defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Foreign Legion. 3 585 12 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

Zelenskyy honoured 11-year-old Danish boy Jens Thomsen with an award Zelenskyy awarded 11-year-old volunteer Jens Thomsen from Denmark for helping Ukrainian children. PHOTOS In Denmark, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the "Future of Ukraine" award to 11-year-old volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen, who raises money for Ukrainian children. 5 260 22 Previously in trend: Awards for volunteers

Zelenskyy awards 226 more Ukrainian defenders Zelenskyy awards 226 servicemen, 183 posthumously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded state honors to 226 Ukrainian defenders, 183 of them posthumously. 668 3 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy presented awards to soldiers of the Special Forces and the SSU Zelenskyy awards state honors to SSU’s Special Operations Center "A" fighters. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded state honors to servicemen of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) Special Operations Center "A." 1 854 3 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

1000 for 1000 exchange. Zelenskyy held a meeting Zelenskyy awards 162 servicemen with state honors Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded state honors to 162 servicemen for personal courage demonstrated in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 540 2 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Awarding of military personnel and families of heroes Zelenskyy presents highest state awards to military personnel and families of Ukrainian Heroes. PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the highest state awards to soldiers and handed over the "Gold Star" orders to the families of fallen Heroes who were posthumously awarded the title. 1 756 5 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy awarded the children Zelenskyy couple presents presidential "Future of Ukraine" award to children for first time. PHOTO President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with Ukrainian children and presented the new "Future of Ukraine" award for the first time. 3 624 65

Zelenskyy awards 97 Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen Zelenskyy honors 97 AFU servicemen with state awards President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded state honors to 97 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). 567 0 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy awarded SOF fighters Zelenskyy presents state awards to SOF fighters and families of fallen heroes. PHOTOS On the Day of Special Operations Forces (SOF), President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with SOF servicemen and the families of fallen Heroes, presenting them with state awards. 1 010 0 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy awards state honors to 698 Ukrainian defenders President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded state honors to 698 servicemembers of the National Guard, police officers, and rescuers. 761 3 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy presented awards to marines President Zelenskyy confers top state honors on Ukrainian marines. PHOTOS On Marine Corps Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen and their families, presented the highest state honors, and handed over battle flags, "For Courage and Bravery" distinction ribbons, and the honorary title ribbon to unit commanders. 1 176 3 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards Zelenskyy honors Ukrainian marines

SOF honours OUN underground fighter Ihor Oleshchuk 94-year-old OUN underground fighter Ihor Oleshchuk receives award from SOF: "Back then, there were thousands of us. Now there are millions". VIDEO The Command of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has awarded a member of the OUN underground, former political prisoner Ihor Oleshchuk. This was done on the occasion of Heroes' Day for his contribution to the resistance to the occupation forces. 5 231 29

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy honors 504 more Ukrainian defenders, 285 of them posthumously On Tuesday, May 20, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded 504 more defenders of Ukraine with state awards, 285 of them posthumously. 666 6 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Teenagers reported FSB recruitment to SSU. They were awarded Teenagers reported attempt to recruit them by FSB employees: they were awarded, - SSU. PHOTOS Two teenagers from Kryvyi Rih who refused to work for the FSB and informed law enforcement officers about an attempted recruitment by the Russian special services were awarded. 7 779 32 Previously in trend: Recruitment of Ukrainian teenagers by Russia FSB recruits Ukrainian teenagers

award ceremony Over 110,000 Ukrainian defenders have received state awards during full-scale war – Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Since the beginning of the full-scale war, more than 110,000 Ukrainians from the Defence and Security Forces have already received state awards. 764 6 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Vasyl Maliuk is awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine Zelenskyy awards SSU chief Maliuk title of Hero of Ukraine – decree President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU). 4 277 86 Previously in trend: Awarding the title Hero of Ukraine

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy awarded title of Hero of Ukraine to six soldiers, four of them posthumously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine on six servicemembers, four of whom received the country’s highest state award posthumously. 5 841 8 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

State Service of Ukraine Day Zelenskyy honours border guards with awards on State Border Guard Service Day. VIDEO On the occasion of the Day of the Border Guard, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to the servicemen of the State Border Guard Service. 489 3 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy awards 411 Ukrainian servicemen, 264 posthumously President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree awarding 411 defenders of Ukraine, including 264 posthumously. 588 3 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

awarding the military Zelenskyy presents Crosses of Military Merit and Order of Golden Star to military and families of fallen heroes. VIDEO President of Ukraine  Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state honors, the Crosses of Military Merit and the Orders of the Golden Star, to Ukrainian soldiers, and handed the awards to the families of those who were posthumously granted the title of Hero. 1 276 12 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy awarded 449 defenders of Ukraine, 179 of them posthumously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded 449 defenders of Ukraine with state awards, 179 of them posthumously. 476 2 Previously in trend: Honouring Armed Forces of Ukraine with awards

Budanov awarded paratroopers with weapons Budanov awarded paratroopers with weapons. VIDEO+PHOTOS The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov awarded the servicemen of the 80th separate air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with award pistols. 11 315 20 Previously in trend: Award weapon for paratroopers

Budanov presents awards to LASKA cyber activists DIU: Budanov presents awards to cyber activists who cooperate with military intelligence. PHOTOS The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov presented the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the III class to the cyber activists of the LASKA group. 3 429 5 Previously in trend: Awards for Cyber Activists

Iryna Tsybukh Zelenskyy awarded title of Hero of Ukraine to paramedic Iryna Tsybukh (posthumously) Iryna Tsybukh (Cheka), a paramedic with the Hospitallers, was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. 4 838 5