Zelenskiy Pushes Legislation to Strip State Awards from 'Traitors'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged parliament to pass legislation to strip 'traitors' of state awards, including the country's highest honors. He emphasized the need for a legal mechanism to revoke such awards from individuals who have lost the respect of Ukrainians due to their actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on parliament to enact legislation aimed at stripping 'traitors' of state awards, including the nation's highest honors. The move seeks to amend Ukraine's criminal code to facilitate the revocation of these distinctions.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy did not name specific individuals but mentioned that the legislation aims to 'restore justice' by targeting those who, through their actions, have forfeited their rights to national respect. 'A legal mechanism is needed to effectively strip such individuals of all state awards of Ukraine and honorary titles,' he stated.

Zelenskiy emphasized that the only 'title' these individuals deserve is 'traitors,' and their 'reward' would be accountability for their actions against Ukraine. The proposed legislation is expected to cover all state awards, including the title Hero of Ukraine.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, numerous Ukrainians have been accused of collaborating with Moscow. Notable figures include Viktor Medvedchuk, a pro-Kremlin business magnate, and Mykola Azarov, a former Prime Minister who fled Ukraine during the 2014 uprising.

(With inputs from agencies.)