Zelenskyy awarded 11 outstanding figures with the “National Legend” honor for their achievements in promoting Ukraine. PHOTO report.

On the eve of Ukraine’s State Flag Day and Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska honored outstanding individuals with the “National Legend of Ukraine” award.

This was reported on the official website of the President of Ukraine, as conveyed by Censor.NET.
The President emphasized that despite Russia’s aggression, the values underlying 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. To those who are among us and whom we must cherish. To those who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. We must all remember them. Legends who inspire us. Legends whom the world applauds. And I would like us all to applaud our Ukrainian legends now,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

This year, the “National Legend of Ukraine” award was presented by the President to 11 individuals. They include:
Renowned composer, People’s Artist, and Hero of Ukraine Ihor Poklad. He is the author of over 150 songs, musical performances, and works for more than 40 Ukrainian films and animated movies.

General Designer and CEO of the Luch Design Bureau, full recipient of the Order of Merit, and Hero of Ukraine, Oleh Korosteliov. He was directly involved in the development of the Stugna, Vilkha, and Neptune missiles.

The most titled Ukrainian athlete: two-time Olympic sabre fencing champion, six-time world champion, eight-time European champion Olga Harlan.

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

Brigadier General of the SBU Military Counterintelligence Ivan Lukashevych, call sign Hunter. Ideologist of the Sea Baby marine drones. The developer of the Lord of the Horizon sniper rifle, which set a world record for the most accurate shot at the occupier from a distance of 3800 meters.

Iryna Yurchenko, a conductor of Ukrzaliznytsia. On February 25, 2022, she went on duty and worked on evacuation flights for weeks. At the time, her son Dmytro Kozatskyi, with the call sign Orest, was holding the line at Azovstal in Mariupol.

Ukrainian painter, graphic artist and monumentalist, honorary member of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine Oleksandr Dubovyk. He is a representative of the “unofficial” art of the Soviet era. The author’s works are kept in the National Art Museum of Ukraine, museums in the USA, Germany and in private collections.

Howard Buffett is an American businessman, philanthropist, and Ukraine’s largest private donor. His foundation has spent more than $500 million to help Ukrainians. These funds were used, among other things, to provide food to the victims, restore buildings, help farmers, train sappers, and provide prosthetics to veterans.

Oleksandr Usyk, Ukrainian boxer, Olympic champion, absolute world heavyweight champion. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his foundation has been helping affected families. He has held seven charity auctions and transferred about $740,000 to support the Ukrainian army.

Serhiy Parajanov and Nina Matvienko were posthumously awarded the prize.

Sergei Parajanov was a Ukrainian and Armenian film director and screenwriter. He created almost 20 feature films and documentaries. His film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors won 39 international awards and 28 prizes at film festivals around the world.

Nina Matvienko is a People’s Artist of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine. Her repertoire includes many folk songs. She has also written, acted in television and radio performances, and toured the United States, Canada, France, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, and Latin America.

The National Legend of Ukraine award was introduced in 2021. Since then, the President annually recognizes with this award people who have contributed to the establishment of 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 public activities.

Tags: Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy