Zelenskyy congratulates National Guard servicemen on their professional holiday, awards them
On Tuesday, on the eve of the National Guard Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the National Guard servicemen, presented them with state awards and congratulated them on the 11th anniversary of the creation of the National Guard.
“National Guard warriors carry out combat missions on par with other elements of Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces. NGU units and heroic fighters are steadfastly defending Ukraine and delivering crucial results in eliminating the occupiers,” said Zelenskyy.
He noted that during a full-scale war, the National Guard units are implementing and developing the experience of using drones and intelligent systems for analyzing the combat situation. The President thanked everyone who makes the National Guard more modern. He separately noted the assault units of the National Guard of Ukraine and the courage of each soldier who not only defends, but also restores Ukrainian positions.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine remembers all its warriors currently held in Russian captivity and continues working at all levels of diplomacy to free them and bring them home.
According to the President, 11,608 National Guard members have been honored with state awards for defending Ukraine – 2,919 of them posthumously. Those present honored all fallen heroes with a moment of silence.
The President presented state awards to 20 National Guard members. In particular, Hero of Ukraine, Major Maksym Nebylytsia received the Order of the Golden Star. The Head of State also honored three warriors with the Cross of Military Merit. President Zelenskyy also awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky I and III class, the Orders For Courage I–III Class, the Orders of Princess Olga III Class. He presented the battle flag to the NGU Training Center and For Courage and Bravery ribbons to the Special Operations Center, the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade, and the 13th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Additionally, Zelenskyy reviewed military equipment currently in service with NGU units, including UAVs, small arms, and combat, evacuation, and medical vehicles.
