President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “very defender of Ukraine is indeed a defender of life. Everyone holding our positions on the frontline is, by doing so, protecting our entire state. And wherever our Ukrainian positions are truly strong, life always prevails.

“I presented the Orders of the Golden Star and other state awards to the servicemembers of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, and handed awards to the families of our Heroes who were conferred this title posthumously.

“I thank every single person who fights for Ukraine, who fully carries out combat missions, destroys the occupier, protects their brothers and sisters-in-arms, and defends all our people.

“I thank all the families of our Heroes – for such sons and daughters, without whom Ukraine would simply no longer exist.

“Ukraine is the courage that has delivered results. And this is how we will defend our state; this is how we will end this war – by preserving Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, and all the rights of our Ukrainian people. And we remember everyone who gave their life so that Ukraine would endure.” He added.