The Order of Merit ( uk, Орден «За заслуги») (Distinguished service) first, second or third class, is the Ukrainian order of merit, given to individuals for outstanding achievements in economics, science, culture, military or political spheres of activity. It was first established by Ukrainian president

Leonid Kuchma Leonid Danylovych Kuchma ( uk, Леоні́д Дани́лович Ку́чма; born 9 August 1938) is a Ukrainian politician who was the second president of Ukraine from 19 July 1994 to 23 January 2005. Kuchma's presidency saw numerous corru ...

on September 22, 1996. There are 3 grades, the highest being the first grade honours. Those who are awarded the Order of Merit have the official title Chevalier of the Order of Merit. The order can be granted posthumously.

The Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine

The Order of Merit originates from the Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine, the first decoration of independent Ukraine. The Honorary Award was instituted by Ukrainian president

Leonid Kravchuk Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk ( uk, Леонід Макарович Кравчук; 10 January 1934 – 10 May 2022) was a Ukrainian politician and the first president of Ukraine, serving from 5 December 1991 until 19 July 1994. In 1992, he signed ...

on August 18, 1992. On September 22, 1996, it was transformed into three classes of the Order of Merit. Recipients of the Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine are considered to be equal to the recipients of the Order of Merit and they are recognised as holders of the Order of Merit 3rd Class retaining the right to wear decorations that have been granted. Granting the Honorary Award of the President of Ukraine was discontinued following the institution of the Order of Merit.

Medals, star and ribbons of the Order of Merit

Awards to serving members of the armed forces bear crossed swords.

References

External links

Laws of Ukraine «About the state awards of Ukraine»
( Ukrainian)
Order “For merits”
{{Military decorations of Ukraine Civil awards and decorations of Ukraine Military awards and decorations of Ukraine Awards established in 1996 1996 establishments in Ukraine Orders of merit