‘A great honor’: Pavel awarded by Zelenskyy for Ukraine support

Czech President Petr Pavel received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Ukraine’s highest state award, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in Kyiv. The honor recognized Pavel’s personal contributions to Ukraine’s defense and his advocacy for the country’s territorial integrity. The award, announced last August, was formally presented during Pavel’s third official visit to Ukraine as head of state.

The recognition underscores Prague’s significant role in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Czech initiatives, particularly the munitions program, supply around half of Kyiv’s heavy artillery ammunition, a contribution Zelenskyy called essential to his country’s military operations.

“The munitions initiative provides more than 50 percent of heavy ammunition for Ukrainian armed forces,” Pavel said after the meeting, noting the program will continue under the new Czech government. “I am glad it will be maintained this year at the same level as last year.”

During his visit, Pavel toured sites damaged by Russian attacks, including a residential building hit by a missile on Václav Havel Boulevard that killed 23 people in August. He also visited a renovated school in a Kyiv shelter, where the Czech government donated a 3D printer, and met with veterans supported by Czech charities.

Pavel highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Czech assistance, noting energy infrastructure support after recent Russian strikes left hundreds of thousands without power in freezing temperatures. He offered additional aid, including small aircraft for drone defense, early-warning systems, and generators to mitigate electricity outages.

The award places Pavel among a select group of Czech recipients, including former Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Václav Havel, Karel Schwarzenberg, and others. It can be granted to both Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals for outstanding service to Ukraine, and has been awarded by the Ukrainian president since 1995.

Pavel’s visit began in Lviv, where he met regional officials and discussed the ongoing munitions initiative, development aid, and veterans’ affairs. Despite a change in Prague’s government, which had initially considered ending the program, the initiative continues operationally, though direct financial contributions will cease.

Both leaders emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations. Pavel described Ukraine’s willingness to make difficult concessions in pursuit of peace, while noting that Russia has shown little inclination to engage in talks.

The visit also reinforced Czech-Ukrainian cooperation in defense and industry. Zelenskyy encouraged Czech companies to expand collaboration with Ukrainian firms in artillery and drone production, reflecting broader trends of international support for Kyiv’s military resilience.

Pavel’s third visit to Ukraine signals continued Czech engagement in the region. The munitions initiative is expected to maintain its current supply levels, and humanitarian projects, including school renovations and veteran support, will continue.

Officials say ongoing monitoring of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and coordination with allies will remain a priority in the coming months.