President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the Hungarian community of Zakarpattia, including military personnel.
The Head of State thanked them for their resilience throughout this difficult winter and for supporting the front, and expressed special gratitude to the servicemembers for all their efforts in defending Ukraine, in particular our skies, along with critical and civilian infrastructure, from Russian attacks.
“I thank you for the unity that was essential in getting through such a difficult winter. It was indeed different across the regions of our country, but in every one of them, it was certainly not easy,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President stressed that preparations for the next winter must already begin. It is important that all regions have resilience plans, and now these must be fully implemented to ensure Ukrainians receive maximum protection.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the state continues its work to strengthen air defense and to secure funding for the protection of critical infrastructure facilities.
The Head of State highlighted that many enterprises and businesses have successfully relocated to Zakarpattia, which is important for preserving and creating jobs and supporting the economy of the entire Ukraine.
The meeting also focused on addressing the needs of national communities in receiving education in their native language, the role of local self-government in filling the state budget, and the creation of conditions for the return of Ukrainians who were forced to leave abroad due to Russian aggression.
Particular attention was given to the prospects of using Zakarpattia’s balneological resources for the rehabilitation of warriors and veterans.
Representatives of the Hungarian community thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his constant attention to the life of their community and the region, as well as for his willingness to cooperate in resolving important issues.
The President presented state awards to defenders of Ukraine who distinguished themselves in resisting the full-scale Russian aggression. Servicemembers of the 128th Zakarpattia Separate Mountain Assault Brigade were awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III class; the Orders “For Courage,” III class; and the medals “For Military Service to Ukraine.” A UAV operator of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces was awarded the Order “For Courage,” III class.
The Head of State also presented the Order of Merit, III class (posthumously), to the wife of Yosyp Borto, former First Deputy Head and member of the Zakarpattia Regional Council, who passed away in November 2023.
