Ukrainian singer, TV host, and volunteer Dasha Astafieva has been awarded a state honor — the Order of Princess Olga, 3rd Class. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the corresponding decree No. 1100/2026 on November 9, 2026, on the occasion of the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Masters of Folk Art. In the document, the artist was recognized for her «significant personal contribution to the development of national culture and art, significant creative achievements, high professional mastery,» and her volunteer activities and the founding of the UnderBook book app were also highlighted.
The Decree and Award Wording
Presidential Decree No. 1100/2026 was published on the official website of the Head of State on November 9. The text of the document refers to Daria Viktorivna Astafieva as a singer, TV host, volunteer, and founder of the UnderBook book application. The award is timed to coincide with the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Masters of Folk Art. According to 5.ua, during a meeting with figures of art, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian art is a powerful voice of the state in wartime conditions.
The Singer's Reaction: «Hard to Believe This Happened»
Dasha Astafieva shared her emotions about receiving the award on her Instagram. «Today a special event happened in my life — I was presented with the Order of Princess Olga. It is still hard to believe this happened. For me, this is a great honor and at the same time a very touching moment,» the artist wrote. She emphasized that it is especially valuable to receive recognition for a cause to which you give «so much time, effort, and love.» Astafieva also thanked her team, loved ones, and everyone who supports her work and contributes to the popularization of Ukrainian literature, calling the award a «joint achievement».
Volunteer Work and the UnderBook Book Project
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Astafieva's activities have significantly shifted toward the volunteer sector. According to 5.ua, the artist regularly raises funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing defenders with food and equipment. Concurrently, she founded the UnderBook book application aimed at popularizing modern Ukrainian literature. In October 2026, Dasha Astafieva, together with teacher Artur Proydakov, read the National Unity Radio Dictation — another example of her participation in cultural and patriotic initiatives.
What Is the Order of Princess Olga
The Order of Princess Olga is a state award of Ukraine established in 1997. It is awarded to women for outstanding merits in state, public, scientific, educational, cultural, charitable, and other spheres, as well as for raising children in the family. The award has three degrees: 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. The highest is the 1st degree; female citizens of Ukraine are awarded consecutively, starting from the 3rd. The next degree can be received no earlier than three years after the previous award. Dasha Astafieva received the 3rd-class order — the initial level of this state distinction.
Context: From NikitA to State Recognition
Most viewers know Dasha Astafieva from her participation in the NikitA band and television shows. However, in recent years, her public role has expanded: from an Estrada career to active volunteering, book entrepreneurship, and participation in national cultural projects. Receiving the Order of Princess Olga became official state recognition of this multi-vector contribution. In her post, Astafieva drew attention to the fact that Ukrainian women make a daily contribution to the country's life in a wide variety of fields — from culture and education to volunteering — and expressed hope that «women's labor would be noticed, valued, and recognized».
