The President honored representatives of the Crimean Tatar people
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presided over a formal ceremony to present state awards to distinguished representatives of the Crimean Tatar people.
This was reported by the Office of the President.
The awards were presented to human rights activists, journalists, artists, educators, and military personnel who have made significant contributions to the struggle for the de-occupation of the peninsula and the preservation of national identity.
The highest award—the Order of Merit, First Class—was presented to Ilmi Umerov, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis.
The politician is known for his principled stance against recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea, for which he was illegally sentenced to a penal colony by the occupiers in 2016.
The Order of Merit, 2nd Class, was awarded to renowned journalist Akim Galimov, author of a series of documentary films about the true history of Ukraine and Crimea.
His projects aim to debunk Russian historical myths and highlight the peninsula’s inseparable connection to the Ukrainian state.
Among those awarded the Order of Merit, 3rd Class, are Arsen Zhumadilov, director of the Defense Procurement Agency, and Irfan Mirzoev, world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Crimean Mufti Ayder Rustemov was also honored; since the start of the war, he has been organizing aid for military personnel and civilians.
The president paid special attention to human rights defenders, in particular Nariman Suleimanov, head of the Crimean Prosecutor’s Office, and Leniye Umerova.
Leniye spent nearly two years in Russian prisons on trumped-up charges of “espionage” and was released only in September 2024.
Volunteer Emine Emirsaliyeva, co-owner of the “Musafir” network, also received a state award.
During the harsh winter of 2025–2026, her establishments became true “hubs of resilience,” providing warmth and food for the capital’s residents.
The honorary title of “People’s Artist of Ukraine” was awarded to composer Dzhemil Karikov, and ceramist Rustem Skibin was named “People’s Artist of Ukraine.”
In the field of education, Gulnaz Adzhigeldieva and Afize Emirzayeva were recognized for developing textbooks on the Crimean Tatar language.
The president also honored international lawyer Suleiman Mamutov, who was the first Ukrainian to join the UN Expert Forum.
Najie Ametova and Sabriye Slaston were named Distinguished Journalists and Distinguished Educators, respectively.
As a reminder, Zelenskyy signed a decree on the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.
The Kremlin has already rejected the idea of an Easter truce.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that some of Ukraine’s partners had asked to reduce strikes on Russia’s oil sector following the global energy crisis. He emphasized that Ukraine is acting not simply to strike, but in response to attacks.
