President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a Decree establishing the honorary distinction “Rescue Community” to recognize the courage, compassion, and solidarity shown by residents of territorial communities in the fight against Russian aggression.
This distinction will be awarded to territorial communities whose residents have provided large-scale humanitarian protection and other forms of assistance to frontline communities and the Defense Forces, contributed to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities while repelling Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, and offered other significant support in defending Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
In particular, residents of these communities take in people forced to evacuate from frontline areas; create conditions for their accommodation and integration; provide employment; help restore electricity supply and rebuild damaged facilities in affected cities and villages near the front line; accept relocated businesses from frontline territories and provide them with the necessary support; assist in the construction of fortifications; support Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces; and organize fundraising efforts for defenders.
Within one week, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is required to draft and submit to the Head of State for approval the regulations governing the distinction, as well as the design of the award, the commemorative plaque, and its presentation case.