Zelensky Honors Ognivych, Topolya, and Fagot: Which Ukrainian Artists Received State Awards for Independence Day

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree awarding a number of cultural figures with state honors. This is reported by the publication Styler, citing an official document published on the head of state's website. Among those honored are Zlata Ognivych, Taras Topolya, Nata Zhizhchenko, as well as members of the groups TNMK and "Dakh Braha."

The Title of Merited Artist of Ukraine

The title of "Merited Artist of Ukraine" was awarded to Taras Topolya, leader of the band "Antitela," Nata Zhizhchenko, vocalist of ONUKA, and singer Zlata Ognivych. The official decree notes that the award is conferred "for significant merits in strengthening Ukrainian statehood, courage and selflessness displayed in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a significant personal contribution to the development of various spheres of public life, the defense of the state's national interests, and the conscientious fulfillment of professional duty." Taras Topolya, as a reminder, is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine — in the published footage he is seen in a camouflage uniform with a "MEDIC" patch.

Orders "For Merit" of the III Degree for Musicians

Other representatives of the Ukrainian music scene were not left without state awards either. Members of the group TNMK, Oleg Mykhailiuta (Fagot) and Oleksandr Sydorenko (Fozzy), received the Order "For Merit" of the III degree. A similar award was presented to Marka Galanevych, a member of the group "Dakh Braha." Thus, the presidential decree covered several musical genres — from pop music and rap to folk rock.

Zlata Ognivych's Reaction

Zlata Ognivych has already shared a photo with the award on her Instagram. "I am grateful for this honor and trust. It is especially valuable to receive this title right now, when Ukrainian culture, Ukrainian music, and our voice must sound even stronger — in Ukraine and around the world. Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!" — the singer wrote in the caption to the photo, in which she is in a white dress holding an open velvet box with the order and certificate.

Context: Awards in the Year of the 35th Anniversary of Independence

Presidential awards to cultural figures on Independence Day have become a tradition; however, this year the list of laureates attracted particular resonance due to the inclusion of artists who actively participate in the public and patriotic life of the country. The wording in the decree, directly linking creative activity with "the defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity," emphasizes that the state considers the cultural contribution of artists as part of the collective effort to strengthen national identity amid the ongoing conflict.

Contradictory Data

No significant discrepancies in facts between sources were found. All four verified sources — Styler (RBC-Ukraine), zn.ua, 24tv.ua, and obozrevatel.com — unanimously confirm the list of awardees and the types of awards conferred. The only minor difference: in the headline of 24tv.ua the emphasis is on the conferral of the title of Merited Artist, whereas zn.ua primarily mentions the groups "Dakh Braha" and ONUKA. In essence, both publications convey the same decree, just with a different emphasis in presentation.