---
title: "Posthumous honors and awards for contributions: how Zelenskyy marked Constitution Day"
description: "President Zelenskyy signed a decree awarding cultural figures for Constitution Day. Among the laureates are Mikhail Klimenko and Stepan Higa, awarded posthumously, as well as Andriy Bednyakov, who personally received an order. 🇺🇦🎖️"
date: 2026-06-28T15:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-awarded-cultural-figures-constitution-day-2026-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Posthumous honors and awards for contributions: how Zelenskyy marked Constitution Day

![President Zelenskyy awards a recipient during a constitutional day ceremony](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/28/zelenksiy-nagradil-deyateli-kultury-den-konstitutsii-2026/zelenksiy-nagradil-deyateli-kultury-den-konstitutsii-2026-1.webp)

In the run-up to Ukraine's Constitution Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 532/2026 awarding a number of outstanding figures in culture and the arts. The solemn ceremony took place in the presence of guests, including both current stars of the Ukrainian scene and representatives of the clergy.

State awards are traditionally bestowed for significant contributions to the development of the country, the strengthening of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for high professional achievements. This time, the list of laureates was particularly touching, as honorary distinctions were awarded to artists posthumously.

### Remembering the departed legends

Special attention was paid to the memory of artists who passed away at the end of 2025. Mikhail Klimenko, a member of the popular music group ADAM, was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit, 3rd class. The artist died on December 7, 2025, succumbing to complications caused by tuberculous meningitis. His creative work and contribution to the music industry received high recognition at the state level.

Another tragic loss for the cultural community was the death of People's Artist Stepan Higa. He was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th class. This is one of the highest state awards, granted for outstanding merits in the fields of culture, art, and public activity. Stepan Higa died on December 12, 2025. According to his children, the cause of death was complications from an infection that developed against the background of diabetes. In the last months of his life, the artist underwent long-term inpatient treatment.

### Living heroes on stage

Among those who personally received an award from the President's hands was the well-known TV host Andriy Bednyakov. He was awarded the Order of Merit, 3rd class. Bednyakov was present at the solemn ceremony, where he personally shook hands with the head of state, accepting the sign of recognition for his professional achievements.

The decree also mentions actress Antonina Khizhnyak, who was awarded a new honorary title. The full list of awardees, including other public figures, was published in the official document.

This ceremony continued the tradition of recognizing the merits of those who actively participate in the life of the country. Previously, state awards had already been received by such well-known personalities as Iryna Fedishyn, Vasyl Baidak, and Anastasia Pustovit, whose activities in the field of volunteering and public support were noted by the President.