Zelensky honored heroes and promoted border guards on a festive day
Festive events dedicated to Ukrainian Border Guard Day took place on Friday, April 30, in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived for an extraordinary meeting with the personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS), officially recognized the contributions of the country's defenders of the border. More than fifty high-ranking officials attended the solemn ceremony, including unit commanders, veterans, and service members from various regions. The head of state not only presented state awards but also promoted military ranks and personally expressed gratitude to the border guards for their direct contribution to Ukraine's defense. According to official data from the Office of the President and its press service, as part of the celebrations Zelensky signed decrees granting new military ranks. Specifically, the head of the SBGS Intelligence Department, Commodore Denys Tsyatskun, was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, marking a significant career advancement for him. Additionally, documents indicate that the first deputy Tsyatskun, Colonel Oleg Mikhatskyi, was promoted to Brigadier General, and the same high rank was conferred upon his deputy — Colonel Oleksii Havel, who commands operational-military units in the eastern region. A particularly notable event was the awarding of the State Order “Golden Star” to Senior Lieutenant Rostyslav Kondrych — a Hero of Ukraine, who received this highest distinction for unprecedented heroism at the front. In February 2024, Kondrych, then part of a reinforced unit, acted as the最后防线 in evacuating Ukrainian soldiers from the Avdiivka garrison under enemy fire. His combat path was filled with heroic and risky actions: evacuating the wounded near Kharkiv and Sumy, and actively fighting against Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups. The border guard repeatedly demonstrated courage during difficult battles. He personally shot down three enemy drones, destroyed one machine gun crew, and participated in repelling three enemy attacks. Despite injuries and life-threatening danger, he continued to command combat operations and halted the advance of occupation forces in critical areas. The high level of professionalism and heroism displayed by such service members inspires and makes Ukrainian society proud. President Zelensky also awarded two other border guards the “Cross of Bravery” — personally presenting the awards to each of them. In his speech, the head of state emphasized the crucial role of border guards within Ukraine’s defense system. He highlighted that thousands of personnel are on the front lines daily, guarding the valuable state border and holding an important front in defense alongside other Ukrainian armed forces units and special services. Volodymyr Zelensky paid special attention to the work of the SBGS intelligence units and divisions utilizing drones for monitoring the situation at the border. “It is important to understand that these heroes, these defenders — are not just servicemen, but the very frontline of Ukraine’s defense. Every day they risk their lives performing strategic tasks — from evacuating the wounded and fallen to repelling enemies seeking to destroy our country from within and from outside,” Zelensky stressed. According to official statistics, over the years of Ukraine’s independence, more than 4,250 border guards have been awarded state decorations, most of which are for participation in combat operations in conflict zones. Of these, 29 have been honored with the high title of Hero of Ukraine — 17 of them posthumously, reflecting the high level of self-sacrifice and heroism of Ukrainian servicemen. Memorial dates like April 30 are commemorated based on a resolution by Ukraine’s first President, Petro Poroshenko, from 2015, and since then, this day has become not only a celebration of servicemen but also a symbol of unbreakable will and the struggle for independence. In conclusion, Zelensky expressed gratitude to all border guards for their service and emphasized that the country’s security depends on their courage and professionalism. Honoring heroes, promoting ranks, and presenting awards are not merely formal ceremonies but a deep recognition of their contribution to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They symbolize that the state values and remembers its defenders, and that the fight for freedom and independence continues every day, even under the toughest conditions. Read also: Border Guard Chief Deyneko on Zelensky’s SMS at 5:17 a.m., an subordinate’s phrase from Zmiinyi Island, and the “Monaco” battalion.