Volodymyr Zelenskyy honours airmen and reveals the secret of success in the sky
OLENA ROSHCHINA — SUNDAY, 7 AUGUST 2022, 17:02
On the occasion of Air Force Day in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order of the Golden Star to military personnel who have been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine [these are the highest awards that can be conferred in Ukraine], and to family members of fallen Heroes, as well as other state awards.
Source: President’s press service
Details: The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv.
Addressing the audience, the head of state noted that Russia has been trying to gain control of the Ukrainian sky since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but despite their technical advantage, the invaders have not been able to do so.
"Ukrainian pilots, anti-aircraft gunners and all those who defend our airspace have turned out to be far more professional, bolder and more motivated," he explained.
Zelenskyy noted that many countries of the world have military aircraft and air defence systems, but only a few countries have truly combat-ready military aircraft and are able to achieve victories in the air.
The president noted that Ukraine has already done a lot to strengthen its Air Force, but much more needs to be done.
Quote from Zelenskyy: "I am sure that the day will come when we will be able to say that the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have become not only one of the most combat-ready in the world, but also one of the most modern and technologically advanced."
Details: Zelensky stressed that every Russian plane and helicopter destroyed, every Russian missile shot down and every mission accomplished by the Air Forces have saved the lives of Ukrainian citizens.
"On behalf of all Ukrainians, I want to thank you, each and every one of you who are fighting in the Air Forces of our country," the president said.
The participants observed a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen.
During the awards ceremony for military personnel, the head of state presented the Order of the Golden Star to Major Yaroslav Melnyk who, together with the personnel of his anti-aircraft missile battery, demonstrated military skills and successful elimination of Russian air targets. While performing combat missions near the city of Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast, troops destroyed a Russian helicopter, a cruise missile, and several planes and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The highest award from the president was given to Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Shumakov, under whose command the anti-aircraft missile division has successfully been carrying out combat missions to cover the city of Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Thanks to the dedication, perseverance and skilful leadership of the anti-aircraft missile division, 22 cruise missiles have been destroyed during air battles.
Zelenskyy also presented the Order of the Golden Star to the widow of Hero of Ukraine Lieutenant Colonel Eduard Vahorovskyi, who was killed withdrawing aircraft from a missile strike during a mission in a MiG-29. Vahorovskyi covered the group by performing demonstrative actions, giving other aircraft the opportunity to take to the air.
The order was also presented to the relatives of Hero of Ukraine Major Dmytro Kolomiyets, who died while performing a mission in an L-39 aircraft. During the withdrawal of the group from a Russian missile strike at Ozerne airfield, Zhytomyr Oblast, Dmytro Kolomiyets diverted Russian aircraft fire towards himself. As he passed the battle group, he was shot down by a Russian plane.
Zelenskyy also presented defenders with other state awards.
In addition, the president presented general's epaulettes to Major General Valentyn Lystopad, deputy commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Brigadier General Andrii Berezhnyi, head of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University of Kharkiv, and Brigadier General Valerii Hrinevych, logistics commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Command.
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