The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has awarded Member of Parliament and Chairman Peter Frølich the medal “Defender of Ukraine.” Additionally, Secretary General Natalia Golis was awarded the Honorary Medal of the National Military Academy in Ukraine.
Golis and Frølich received the medals on Wednesday, September 4, during a ceremony at the Ukrainian Military Academy.
This took place on the same morning as the attack in Lviv. As part of the ceremony, flowers were laid in memory of the fallen from the academy, accompanied by prayers and the national anthem.
“Defender of Ukraine”
The defense minister awards the “Defender of Ukraine” medal.
It can be given to individuals who have demonstrated personal courage and unwavering determination in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, civilian and voluntary contributions, as well as exemplary military service.
“I am very moved and grateful. Ukrainians do this because they genuinely appreciate the help they receive from Norway. Free Ukraine will never fail them,” says Peter C. Frølich.
This is the third medal Peter Frølich has received in Ukraine. He has previously been awarded both the Order of Merit from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Honorary Medal of the National Military Academy.
“These medals have come because thousands of people have donated and volunteered for Free Ukraine. This is ultimately their achievement,” says Frølich.
“I am especially glad that Natalia received her award. She has worked day and night as a volunteer for a year now, and Free Ukraine has become a well-functioning machine because of her,” says Peter Frølich.
A Powerful Experience
Natalia Golis received the Military Academy’s Honorary Medal. This is awarded to volunteers who travel to Ukraine to provide aid.
“After the award, both Peter and I cried. It was an incredibly powerful experience that crept up on us,” says Natalia Golis.
The Military Academy’s Honorary Medal is the same medal that Peter Frølich received earlier this year.
A Recognition of Volunteers’ Efforts
“It means a great deal for the recognition of this growing organization, which consists of so many supporters and dedicated volunteers. This award is a recognition of their efforts, courage, and will to win this shared fight. It confirms to our supporters that our work makes a difference on the ground,” says Golis.
In the reasoning for the award, the Military Academy writes:
“Every day we thank the volunteers for making great efforts to assist and provide Ukraine’s Armed Forces in defending the state’s territorial integrity. After the full-scale invasion, we realized how important the consolidation of the European community is for the common resistance against the enemy’s aggression.
Volunteers make extraordinary efforts every day to strengthen the state’s defense capabilities and are an integral part of Ukraine’s future victory. For a significant contribution to strengthening the country’s defense, extensive support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces to repel the enemy’s aggression.”
Building Bridges
“We not only deliver much-needed support directly to military units at the front, but we also build bridges between Norwegians and Ukrainians, assuring them that our support remains steadfast while bringing back the stories and experiences to Norway. This recognition confirms that our work matters,” says Natalia Golis.
The medal ceremony took place during Free Ukraine’s 36th delivery mission, which took place in southern Ukraine. Both Peter and Natalia regularly participate in deliveries to the front.
This transport consisted of ten vehicles, drones, and medical equipment.
