France’s Macron awards Legion of Honour to Ukraine’s Zelenskiy

Published On : 02/09/2023

PARIS (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron has bestowed the Legion of Honour on Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Paris.

It is the highest award a French president can give to a counterpart, the Elysee Palace said in an overnight statement.

“A salute to Ukraine and its people. A salute to you, dear Volodymyr, for your courage and commitment,” Macron wrote on social media.

Zelenskiy told Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz late on Wednesday that they had the opportunity to be “game changers” in the war against Russia by not hesitating in delivering heavy weapons and modern fighter jets to Ukraine.

A video posted by the Elysee presidential palace showed Macron handing the medal to Zelenskiy, dressed in his trademark khaki attire, in an opulent room. The two men shared a warm embrace and held hands as Zelenskiy responded to Macron.

I said to the president, I said I think it’s too much for me, and that’s why I address it (the decoration) of course for all of our people, the Ukrainians, for our society. And a great honour to be here,” Zelenskiy is heard telling those in the room.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau, Editing by Richard Lough and Bernadette Baum)

Wanda Rich

Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.