By KYIV. Dec 23 (Interfax-Ukraine) – On the occasion of the Power Engineers’ Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with workers in the energy industry and presented them with state awards, his press service reports.
The solemn ceremony took place in the White Hall of the Heroes of Ukraine in the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv.
Addressing the energy industry workers, the Head of State said that they are all defenders of Ukraine because they are restoring the power supply after missile strikes by Russian terrorists.
"Defenders of our lives, people, state, our society, economy and, in general, I’m sure, our future. It is an honor to see you here today, in the Mariyinsky Palace, and to present state awards to you on the occasion of Power Engineers’ Day. I congratulate all of you, all Ukrainian energy workers, on your professional holiday!" the president said, emphasizing that Ukrainian employees of the energy industry are among those who, with their attention and conscientiousness, ensure the future victory of Ukraine.
"I want our country to always remember and honor those who died during this war, fighting and working for the good of everyone in Ukraine," Zelensky added.
Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of the workers of the energy sector, whose lives were taken by the war.
The head of state stressed that the next year would be decisive in the life of the Ukrainian state.
"How it will pass, what results we will achieve, in many ways really depends on how you and I will pass this winter, how we will live it. This directly concerns our energy industry," he said.
He expressed his gratitude to all those who work to ensure the operation of Ukraine’s power system, who restore stability to the Ukrainian energy industry after Russian missile and drone attacks. The President congratulated those present and in their person – all the workers of the energy sector of Ukraine and their families with their professional day and the upcoming holidays, wishing Ukraine health and victory.
Zelensky also presented state awards and honorary titles of "Honored Power Engineer of Ukraine" to the energy workers and family members of the fallen workers of the industry, awarded for a significant contribution to the development and maintenance of the energy industry in the conditions of martial law, personal courage and self-sacrifice, shown when responding to the accidents at facilities of energy infrastructure, conscientious performance of professional duty.
