President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with representatives of the oil and gas industry and awarded them state honors.
The head of state emphasized that without the dedication of oil and gas workers, Ukraine would not have managed to withstand the challenges it faced.
"Ukraine has gas production. Transportation and storage are in place. We have repeatedly assisted our neighbors, particularly Moldova, in overcoming winter hardships. Despite the threats, our country has found ways to ensure fuel supply. Russia hoped for a fuel crisis in Ukraine, but now it itself is facing a shortage," said the President.
Volodymyr Zelensky also pointed out that each winter during the war poses a challenge that Russia tries to exploit against Ukrainians by undermining electricity and heat supply. He emphasized that Ukraine has successfully navigated these winters thanks to the efforts of all those who restore energy infrastructure under constant threat.
The President urged everyone to remember the price Ukrainians pay to endure these winters. Many oil and gas workers have suffered from Russian attacks, and there are casualties. Participants in the meeting honored their memory with a moment of silence.
Volodymyr Zelensky presented the "For Courage" III degree orders to the families of the fallen – the machinist of the Kherson TPP Mykhailo Karetniy and the gas extraction technician Yevhen Petryk from "Shabelynka Gas Extraction", who were posthumously awarded.
Mykhailo Karetniy voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015 and participated in the ATO. After demobilization in 2019, he returned to work but was arrested by the Russians during the occupation of Kherson. He died in captivity on July 29, 2022.
Yevhen Petryk died on August 26 last year during a massive Russian attack. He did everything possible to save the station's personnel but suffered fatal injuries.
The head of state also awarded the "For Merit" III degree orders and medals to employees of the Naftogaz Group and the "Operator of the Gas Transmission System of Ukraine".
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.
