Zelenskyy Awards Top Ukrainian Honors to US Senators Graham and Blumenthal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decorated a group of prominent US lawmakers and officials with some of Ukraine’s top state honors, recognizing their steadfast support in the country’s defense against Russia’s ongoing war.
The Gaze reports this, citing a presidential decree and an announcement delivered during Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal were awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class – Ukraine’s highest decoration for foreigners.
Both senators have been leading advocates in Congress for tougher sanctions against Russia, including legislation proposing tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Moscow.
Other senior members of Congress were also recognized. Senator Chuck Grassley, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Congressman Mike Quigley, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick each received the Order of Merit, Second Class. Congressman Joe Wilson was honored with the Cross of Ivan Mazepa.
On August 24, Zelenskyy extended the recognition to Keith Kellogg, the US President’s special envoy for Ukraine, presenting him with the Order of Merit, First Class. Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson received the same award.
“The commitment of our American partners has been vital to Ukraine’s resilience and to the defense of our shared democratic values,” Zelenskyy said during the ceremony in Kyiv.
The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise was established in 1995 and is awarded to foreigners and stateless persons for “outstanding personal service” to Ukraine, particularly in strengthening the country’s international standing, supporting democratic development, and bolstering its defense.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Senator Lindsey Graham warned that the United States could formally designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism unless Moscow returns thousands of Ukrainian children it has forcibly taken since the start of the war.