Zelenskyy, First Lady honor Ukrainian kids returned from Russia

The first family awarded the recently established Future of Ukraine honor to children who have endured occupation, deportation, loss of loved ones, and who have aided victims and volunteered during wartime.

“We are launching a new tradition this year with the Future of Ukraine honor,” Zelenskyy said in a subsequent Telegram post.

“Every year we will honor our children—kind, dignified individuals who have proven themselves in challenging circumstances and during the hardships of war.”

Among the recipients is 13-year-old Kyrylo Illiashenko, who saved passengers from a bus that caught fire following a Russian missile strike on Sumy on April 13. Despite being injured, he broke a window, escaped the bus, and helped others to safety.

Also honored was 16-year-old Dmytro Amalsky from Mykolayiv Oblast. He rescued his 9-year-old brother during a house fire by pulling him from the flames and handing him to their mother while trying to extinguish the blaze.

Adriana Hoy, 16, from Khmelnytskyi Oblast, resuscitated a 2-year-old boy who had been involved in a traffic accident, keeping him alive until paramedics took over.

Another 16-year-old, Kyrylo Shavkun, was honored for rescuing people from the flooding in the wake of Russia blowing up the Kakhovka HEP dam in 2023.

“We are proud to have such young people—with strong values and a clear sense of right and wrong; thank you for your actions, your bravery, and, most importantly, your compassion,” Zelenskyy added.