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Zelenskyy Decorates US Senators Graham and Blumenthal With Ukraine’s Highest Honor
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded several senior US lawmakers and officials, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, with some of Ukraine’s highest state honors in recognition of their support for Ukraine against the Russian war of aggression, according to a presidential decree issued on August 23.
Graham and Blumenthal received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class. Both have been leading voices in Congress pushing for new sanctions legislation that would impose heavy tariffs on countries continuing trade with Russia, though the bill is currently stalled.
Zelenskyy also presented the Order of Merit, Second Class, to Senator Chuck Grassley, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.
Additionally, Congressman Joe Wilson was honored with the Cross of Ivan Mazepa, while on August 24, Zelenskyy awarded Keith Kellogg, the US President’s special envoy, the Order of Merit, First Class.
The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise—established in 1995 and named after the Grand Prince of Kyiv who reigned in the 11th century—is Ukraine’s highest honor for foreigners and stateless persons. It is awarded for “outstanding personal service to the Ukrainian state” in strengthening international authority, advancing democracy, and supporting the country’s development.
Earlier, Special Representative of the US President for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv on August 24 to take part in Independence Day events.
During the ceremony, Zelenskyy awarded Kellogg with the Order of Merit, First Class. The same honor was also given to Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
