President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the feats of Ukrainian aviators on the front lines and honoring representatives from various professions who truly helped in defending our country.

"I wish good health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today, traditionally on the last Saturday of August, Ukraine celebrates Aviation Day. A professional holiday for people without whom we cannot imagine modern times. And without whom we cannot imagine our country's independence.

Russia hoped to destroy our aviation in the first hours of its full-scale invasion. Of course, this was an absolutely insane goal for the enemy, as were many other similar goals. The Ukrainian Air Force has been preserved since day one and honorably fulfills combat tasks.

In half a year, 18 pilots received the title of Hero of Ukraine. Dozens more have been awarded state honors. Their skills and combat results are truly legendary, and I have repeatedly heard the highest praise for our aviation from representatives of the armies and governments of our partners.

Ukrainian aviation is strong. It will be among the most modern, this is certain, there's no changing that now. But even in these extraordinarily difficult conditions, Ukrainian pilots demonstrate top-class performance.

Today I thank all our aviators, everyone who ensures flights, prepares equipment for flights, and everyone who helps Ukrainian military aviation to be capable of fulfilling combat tasks. And separately, I want to thank the parents of our soldiers, mothers and fathers of Ukrainian pilots, for such brave and intelligent sons who are doing so much to bring us closer to victory — Ukraine's victory.

Once again — Happy Aviation Day in Ukraine!

This week, ahead of Independence Day of our country, I signed a series of decrees honoring representatives from various professions and different groups of our society. In general, those who truly helped defend Ukraine, its independence, our people, and whom are actually known on the front lines.

I asked military personnel and law enforcement officers, all government bodies — central and regional, ministries and oblast administrations, as well as media representatives to provide me with candidates for honors. Those who are in trenches, supporting the boys and girls. Naming people known in the army, whom they are truly grateful on the front lines. Who support the fighting spirit of Ukrainians, our belief in ourselves, spreading the truth about the war. Mobilizing help for Ukraine abroad. Supporting displaced persons… Volunteers and officials, journalists and communal service workers, communications specialists, transporters and athletes, artists, musicians, civic activists, energy sector employees, postal workers… Many different people whose candidacies were proposed. There are also those who have been honored posthumously.

Of course, I signed decrees honoring our soldiers in the armed forces, in intelligence, and in the Security Service of Ukraine. In total, since February 24, state honors of Ukraine have already been awarded to 27,760 of our defenders.

Tomorrow, on Sunday, these decrees will be published. And there will be another decree — a very important and special one — honoring friends of Ukraine abroad with state honors, our partners, our helpers in the fight for freedom and life. Those whose contribution is truly significant. To whom Ukraine will always be grateful.

Because the struggle for independence is a struggle of the entire nation, only then can it be successful. It is precisely such a national struggle that we have here in Ukraine. And because of this, Ukraine will win. The people always wins. And similarly, a successful fight for freedom in the world cannot be a battle of just individual people or countries. This is a joint effort, a collective result achieved through the strength and solidarity of all who value freedom and do not tolerate tyranny. Freedom always triumphs. We will definitely triumph!

Eternal glory to all our heroes!

Eternal gratitude to everyone who helps fight for freedom, for our country!

Glory to Ukraine!»