Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the insignia of "National Legend of Ukraine"

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the insignia of "National Legend of Ukraine"

In honor of the National Flag Day and Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska recognized outstanding people with the National Legend of Ukraine award.

The Office of the President reported this on August 22.

As the head of state noted, despite Russia’s aggression, the values that form the foundation of this award have remained unchanged.

"This is respect. This is honor. This is dignity. This is how the state of Ukraine says thank you to its people, its heroes, its legends. Those who are among us and whom we must appreciate. Those who, unfortunately, are not with us. We must all remember them. The legends who inspire us," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This year, the President awarded 11 people with the National Legend of Ukraine award. Among them:

General designer - general director of the Luch design bureau, full cavalier of the Order of Merit, Hero of Ukraine Olegh Korostelev. He took direct part in the creation of the Stugna, Olkha and the Neptune rocket.

Doctor - thoracic surgeon Vitaliy Khmel. Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, he has performed more than a hundred highly complex operations on wounded soldiers, and saved the lives of more than 50 defenders during evacuation flights.

Brigadier General of the SSU military counterintelligence Ivan Lukashevich, call sign "Hunter". Ideologist of the creation of the Sea Baby sea drones. Developer of the "Lord of the Horizon" sniper rifle, which set a world record - an accurate shot at an occupier from a distance of 3800 m.

Ukrzaliznytsia conductor Iryna Yurchenko. She took up her duty on February 25, 2022, and worked on evacuation runs for weeks. At that time, her son Dmitry Kazatsky, call sign "Orest", held the defense at Azovstal in Mariupol.

It is noted that the "National Legend of Ukraine" badge of distinction was introduced in 2021.

The President annually recognizes with this award people who have contributed to the establishment of an independent Ukraine and the defense of our state, the development of the national economy, science, education, culture, art, sports, healthcare, as well as for active charitable and social activities.