The British were the first to receive the new honorary award "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People"
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland the new honorary award "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People". The British are the first to receive it since the award's establishment.
The corresponding decree No. 814/2026 was signed by the President on August 24, Ukraine's Independence Day.
The document states the British people are being honored for solidarity and support of Ukrainians in confronting Russia's armed aggression, the struggle to preserve the nation, defense of Ukrainian statehood, and shared civilizational values – humanity, freedom, and peace.
The honorary award "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People" was only established by Zelenskyy on August 20. It is intended to honor the peoples of foreign states that support Ukraine in the war against Russia.
Grounds for conferring the award may include, among others, military, humanitarian, and financial assistance to Ukraine, political support, and providing shelter to Ukrainians.
Re-awarding the same people is not envisaged. The decision to confer is made by the President of Ukraine, and relevant submissions may be made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorized bodies.
The award will be made of silver in the shape of a stylized flower with four layers of blue-and-yellow petals. In the center there will be an element in the colors of the flag of the state whose people receive the award. On the reverse there is an inscription in English "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People" and the motto "For Freedom. For Humanity. For Ukraine" – "For freedom. For humanity. For Ukraine.".
The decision regarding the United Kingdom was made against the backdrop of a visit to Kyiv by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He arrived in Ukraine on August 24 on his first foreign trip since taking office and confirmed continued support for Ukraine.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United Kingdom has remained one of Ukraine's key military and financial partners, and has also accepted a significant number of Ukrainian refugees.
