Servicemen of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine received high state and ministry awards during a visit by Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko.
The fighters were awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, II and III classes, as well as the Order for Courage, I, II, and III classes. They were also presented with one of the most valuable distinctions, a nominal firearm.
The ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of all those who gave their lives in the brutal struggle against the aggressor. Minister Ihor Klymenko thanked the servicemen for their resilience, their faithful service to the state, and their defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his remarks, the Minister emphasized that it is the state’s duty to honor the feat of its defenders, to care for them and their families, and to ensure they are afforded a dignified place in society both during their service and after returning to civilian life.