Lithuania awarded the Freedom Prize to Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision was unanimously supported by all 113 legislators.
The award will be presented on January 13 in Vilnius. The head of state was invited to come.
Zelensky and Ukraine were awarded the Freedom Prize
The press secretary of the Seimas of Lithuania, Victoria Cmilyte-Nielsen, noted that today Ukraine is a European democracy that has to fight for the survival of its territory, culture and people, as well as for the freedom of all Europeans.
Therefore, the Commission of the Freedom Prize proposed to award the Freedom Prize this year to the President of Ukraine for his merits and the merits of the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence, freedom and democracy before Russia's military aggression,” Cmilyte-Nielsen added.
According to her, Zelensky, as the President of Ukraine, is at the forefront of this fight for freedom. With his personal leadership and example, he inspires millions of people in Ukraine to resist and not give up.
“He also united the world community against Putin's criminal regime,” said the speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas.
The Seimas sent an invitation to Zelensky to come to Vilnius on January 13 to receive the award. However, according to Cmilyte-Nielsen, apparently, it is “not very realistic” to expect his arrival.
Other awards of Zelensky: briefly
- This award is far from the first honor for Volodymyr Zelensky, which he has received since the beginning of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine. Another of the President's many awards is the American Leadership Legend. It is given to world leaders who have shown heroism and influenced industries, cultures or states. Zelensky noted that he perceives this award as an award for the entire Ukrainian people.
- Also, the head of state received the Coat of Arms of Tallinn in May. This award is presented in Estonia as a sign of special respect. The award demonstrates the solidarity of Tallinn and its inhabitants with the Ukrainians, as well as support in the heroic struggle of our state against Russian aggression.
- Another award for Zelensky was from the United States. He was honored with the Profile in Courage Award for defending democracy abroad. As explained, from the first day of a full-scale invasion, the President of Ukraine and his family became targets for assassination by Russian troops. The head of state courageously defended democratic ideals and political independence.
