On the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, RFE/RL Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities) contributor Mykola Semena was awarded the commemorative Jubilee Anniversary Medal by President Petro Poroshenko.
In honor of “25 years of Ukraine independence,” President Petro Poroshenko announced the medal’s creation by decree in April 2016 and the honorees were announced by First Deputy Minister of Information Policy Emine Dzhaparova at a press conference in Kiev on August 24, according to Ukrainian multimedia broadcasting platform Ukrinform.
The award honors citizens of Ukraine, foreigners and stateless persons for outstanding merit in the establishment of an independent Ukraine; approval of its sovereignty and strengthening the international authority; and significant contributions to the nation-building, socio-economic, cultural and educational development, active social and political activities, diligent and impeccable service of the Ukrainian people.
Dzhaparova recognized Semena’s sacrifice in choosing to stay in and continue to report from Crimea despite the risks after the forced annexation by Russia in 2014.