The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, met with representatives of the oil and gas industry and awarded them with state honors.

The head of state emphasized that the bravery of oil and gas workers is a crucial component of the country's resilience in difficult times.

«We have our own gas extraction, as well as transportation and storage capabilities. For several winters, we have aided our neighbors, such as Moldova, which is significant. Despite the threats and attacks from Russia, Ukraine has managed to secure fuel for itself. Russia hoped for a fuel crisis in Ukraine, but in fact, it is experiencing a gasoline shortage itself», the President stated.

Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out that each winter during the war poses a challenge, as Russia attempts to use the cold as a weapon against Ukrainians. According to him, Ukraine has been able to overcome these challenges thanks to everyone working on restoring energy supplies under constant threat.

The President urged everyone to remember the cost at which Ukrainians have endured these winters. Many oil and gas workers have been injured due to Russian strikes, and some have tragically lost their lives. The attendees honored their memory with a moment of silence.

Volodymyr Zelensky awarded posthumous medals for «Courage» of the III degree to the relatives of locomotive engineer Mykhailo Karetniy from the Kherson Thermal Power Plant and gas worker Yevhen Petryk, who both received the honors posthumously.

Mykhailo Karetniy volunteered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015 and participated in the ATO. After his demobilization in 2019, he returned to work but was arrested by Russian forces during the temporary occupation of Kherson. He died in captivity on July 29, 2022, as a result of torture.

Yevhen Petryk was killed on August 26 last year during a massive Russian strike on the Chervonodonetsk gas compression station. He did everything he could to prevent the spread of fire and save the lives of the station's personnel, but he sustained fatal shrapnel wounds.

The head of state also awarded workers from Naftogaz Group, the «Operator of the Gas Transmission System of Ukraine,» and private companies with orders of «For Merits» III degree, «For Courage» III degree, Princess Olga III degree, and medals.

We remind you that the Day of Oil, Gas and Oil Refining Industry Workers in Ukraine is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of September.