Ukraine’s Paralympic Triumph in Italy: Zelenskyy Honors Athletes with State Awards After 19-Medal Haul.

President Meets Ukraine’s Paralympic Champions

According to Novyny.live: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed members of Ukraine’s national Paralympic team following their outstanding performance at the XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Italy, held from March 6 to 15. The meeting took place back in Ukraine, where the head of state recognized the athletes’ remarkable achievements: a total of 19 medals, including 3 gold, 8 silver, and 8 bronze. This success continues Ukraine’s strong tradition in winter Paralympic sports, despite ongoing challenges at home.

State Honors and Recognition

Zelenskyy presented the athletes with a range of state awards, including the Order of Merit (1st, 2nd, and 3rd classes), the Order for Courage (3rd class), the Order of Princess Olga (2nd and 3rd classes), and the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (5th class). Additionally, some received the Medal For Labor and Valor, while others were granted the honorary title of Merited Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine.

During the ceremony, the President underscored the significance of the team’s accomplishments, stating:

“Ukraine is grateful to you for once again showing the world who you are, who we are, and what Ukraine stands for—a nation of unbreakable people.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

He also praised their resilience, adding: “None of this has broken you, and that is what matters most. You are stronger than all of it.” Zelenskyy further noted, “At these Games, our flag was raised once again. Crucially, our national anthem, the anthem of Ukraine, rang out in victory once more.”

In a related development, 15 nations—including Ukraine—announced a boycott of the opening ceremony for the 2026 Paralympics. This decision stems from the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes, a move widely criticized amid heightened international tensions and ongoing debates over fairness and equality on the global stage. The boycott underscores Ukraine’s firm stance against allowing athletes from aggressor nations to compete in international events.

Ultimately, the President’s meeting with the Paralympians served as a powerful symbol of support and recognition for athletes who embody the strength and indomitable spirit of Ukraine on the world sports stage. Their achievements not only fuel national pride but also stand as a testament to the Ukrainian people’s endurance in the face of modern adversity. The boycott of the 2026 Paralympics opening ceremony further highlights Ukraine’s and its allies’ clear position on the inadmissibility of participation by athletes from countries responsible for aggression.