Representatives of Frontline Communities Honoured with State Awards

On Local Self-Government Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv and Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, the Order “For Courage,” Second Class.

We warmly congratulate Mr Terekhov on this distinguished national honour!

“He personally and consistently visits the sites of Russian strikes. Despite attacks on the city’s energy infrastructure, Kharkiv ensured proper preparations for the heating season. Ihor Terekhov has strengthened the city’s resilience through public unity, effective cooperation between local authorities, the regional administration, and the government, as well as international support — crucial for post-war recovery,” noted the President’s website.

We are proud to be led by a person who proves daily that true leadership emerges in times of challenge. It is about courage, resilience, care, tireless work, and the ability to unite people around a shared mission to reinforce the stability of a frontline city.

We also congratulate members of the Association who have been honoured with state awards:

Ms Alyona Okhrimovska, Head of the Brozenska Village Military Administration, Kherson region — Order “For Merit,” Third Class

“Community recovery continues after extensive destruction. Thanks to cooperation with benefactors, essential materials and equipment for restoring water supply were obtained. The local budget provides funds to support war veterans, service members, and their families.”

Mr Dmytro Opryshko, Deputy Mayor of Vorozhba City Council, Sumy region — Order “For Courage,” Third Class

“Since February 2022, he has led the local volunteer unit. Over the past year, his unit has actively countered enemy drones, established observation posts, created mobile fire groups, and supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

Ms Svitlana Zachepylo, Head of the Bilenke Village Council, Zaporizhzhia region — Order of Princess Olha, Second Class

“She facilitated the creation of a community firefighting team. Through cooperation with the Zaporizhzhia Regional Administration, an underground school with a radiation shelter was built in the village.”

Ms Olha Hubar, Head of Yampil Village, Sumy region — Order of Princess Olha, Third Class

“She established a voluntary defence unit in 2022, later incorporated into the Shostka Territorial Defence, which continues to protect Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion, she has tirelessly supported Defence Forces units, families of fallen defenders, and veterans.”

Mr Vasyl Huliaiev, Mayor of Chornomorsk, Odesa region — Order of Danylo Halytskyi

“He ensures the uninterrupted functioning of the city and swift restoration of damaged housing and infrastructure after Russian attacks. Chornomorsk also actively supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

Together, we stand for the resilience of frontline communities and the future of our country 🤝