The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, presented diplomas to the laureates of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Awards for Youth Contribution to the Development of Parliamentarism and Local Self-Government 2023-2025.
Among the 60 laureates are predominantly service members and veterans of war.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized the significant role of youth people in strengthening democratic institutions and defending our country. “There are people who prove their responsibility through actions every day: defending Ukraine, carrying out combat missions, and, upon coming back to civilian life, continuing to work for their communities and the country. This award is not just an award for achievements. It is an acknowledgment of everyone's personal contribution to the future of Ukraine," noted Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Vasyl Mokan, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports, emphasized the importance of supporting active young people during times of trial: "Every award and every laureate represents a personal story of service to the state. The Award has been renamed in honor of Pylyp Orlyk — an outstanding Ukrainian statesman, Hetman, and author of the Constitution of 1710. The new title symbolically unites the pursuit of freedom, state-oriented thinking, and the fight for Ukraine’s future — values embodied today by the young people who defend our state, confront the enemy in the digital space, and strengthen the nation through their work."
During the ceremony, attendees paid tribute to the memory of the Defenders and laureates who gave their lives protecting Ukraine — Mykola Shevchenko and Faryd Hussein.
Roman Bilous spoke on behalf of the laureates. He stressed that the contribution of male and female Defenders does not end after the front line: they launch projects, volunteer, educate the youth, and work for the future of the state for which their brothers-in-arms gave their lives.
