During the ceremony marking Ukrainian Statehood Day and the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine on Mykhailivska Square, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order of Europe to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. It is a new state award that the Head of State established on Constitution Day and presented for the first time today.

Ursula von der Leyen was awarded the Order of Europe for her outstanding personal contribution to advancing Ukraine's strategic course toward full membership in the European Union, her significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine's resilience in defending its independence and Europe's security, and to promoting international cooperation in the interests of democracy, peace, good-neighborly relations, and strong, comprehensive ties between nations.

The President noted that Ukraine submitted its application to join the European Union on February 28, 2022, when Russian occupiers were near Kyiv.

"I remember very well who was skeptical and who truly never doubted our people or Ukraine. Ursula, I want to thank you for always believing in us. Thank you! Thank you for walking this path together with us: the application, candidate status, accession negotiations, opening of two clusters and every one that follows – that’s definitely going to happen. Yet long before any of this, it had already become clear that the hearts of Ukraine and Europe had long been open to one another," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President of the European Commission expressed gratitude for the award and noted that this was already her 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"People of Ukraine, you are not only fighting for your own future but for the security of our entire continent. You defend your homeland but also protect the values on which Europe was built. Europe has so much to learn from you. About the ingenuity of your defense industry. About the speed with which innovation moves from the front line to production. About your ability – under the most difficult circumstances – to innovate and build the capabilities that modern warfare demands. Every day, Ukraine is making Europe stronger," Ursula von der Leyen said.

The President of the European Commission also announced a new EU–Ukraine defense industrial partnership, which is expected to be launched with the signing of the Drone Deal. Ursula von der Leyen noted that while Europe already has substantial technological and industrial capacity, it lacks the knowledge and practical combat experience that Ukraine has gained.