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Guardians of the Republic

An academic exploration of Ukraine's esteemed state decoration, the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise.

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Order Overview

National Recognition

The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise is a distinguished state award of Ukraine, established to honor individuals for exceptional contributions to the nation. It serves as a testament to service in state building, the enhancement of Ukraine's international standing, and advancements in various societal sectors.

Historical Resonance

Named in honor of Yaroslav the Wise, a prominent Grand Prince of Kyiv (1019โ€“1054), the Order embodies a connection to Ukraine's rich historical legacy and the principles of wisdom and statecraft he represented.

Awarding Authority

Instituted by Presidential Decree on August 23, 1995, the Order is conferred by the President of Ukraine. It was initially the highest state award for Ukrainian citizens, later complemented by the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of Liberty.

Genesis and Evolution

Presidential Initiative

The Order was established through Decree โ„– 766/95 by President Leonid Kuchma on August 23, 1995. This foundational act included the approval of the Order's Statute and the design for the fifth-class insignia. A competitive process was initiated to develop designs for the higher degrees.

Legislative Codification

Further refinements occurred with Presidential Decree โ„– 662/98 on June 19, 1998, which detailed the insignia for the first four degrees and stipulated a minimum three-year interval between awards of successive degrees. The landmark Law of Ukraine "State Awards of Ukraine" in March 2000 formally codified the Order, integrating presidential awards into the national system.

Artistic Design

The visual representation of the Order, including its intricate insignia and stars, was meticulously crafted by sculptor and professor Valeriy Shvetsov of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, ensuring a design that reflects both historical gravitas and artistic excellence.

Statutory Framework

Award Criteria

The Order is bestowed upon citizens of Ukraine, foreign nationals, and stateless persons for significant contributions to state development, bolstering Ukraine's international prestige, and advancing the economy, science, education, culture, arts, and healthcare. It also recognizes outstanding humanitarian and public service.

Award Progression

The Order is conferred in five distinct classes. For Ukrainian citizens, awards are typically granted sequentially, starting from the fifth class, with a minimum three-year gap between advancements. This structured approach underscores the progressive recognition of sustained service and achievement.

Awarding Foreign Nationals:

  • First Degree: Reserved for heads of sovereign states.
  • Second Degree: Awarded to heads of government, parliament leaders, and prominent statesmen or public figures.
  • Third Degree: Conferred upon Foreign Ministers, heads of other foreign ministries, and ambassadors to Ukraine.
  • Fourth and Fifth Degrees: Bestowed upon distinguished scientists, artists, writers, religious leaders, business figures, human rights activists, and athletes.

Key Provisions:

  • Awards can be granted posthumously.
  • Deprivation of the Order is not permitted.
  • The motto of the Order is "Wisdom, Honor, Glory."

Full Knights

A select few individuals have achieved the distinction of being awarded all five degrees of the Order, signifying exceptional and enduring contributions across various stages of their careers. This rare honor highlights a profound and multifaceted dedication to Ukraine.

The Insignia of Distinction

First and Second Degrees

The highest degrees feature an equilateral cross with rounded ends, adorned with enamel and gilded rays. At its apex is a bracket shaped like an oak wreath, surmounted by the Old Slavic letter "U" (for Ukraine). The central medallion displays a gilded relief profile of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, framed by rims inscribed with his name and the motto "Wisdom, Honor, Glory." The insignia for these degrees is worn on a chain around the neck, accompanied by two stars โ€“ one on the chest and another on a shoulder ribbon.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Degrees

These degrees share the same cross design as the higher degrees. The third degree is worn on a neck ribbon. For the fourth and fifth degrees, the insignia is attached via a clasp for wearing on the chest. The fourth degree's medallion features a silver relief of Prince Yaroslav, while the fifth degree's reverse side bears an engraved number and the Order's motto.

Ribbons and Stars

The Order's ribbon is crafted from silk moire, distinguished by a deep blue color with yellow stripes at the edges, symbolizing the Ukrainian flag. The stars, crafted from silver, feature convex rays and a central medallion with the Old Slavic letter "small jus" (erroneously identified as "yat" in some descriptions), representing the nation's heritage.

Distinguished Honorees

International Acclaim

The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise has been awarded to numerous global leaders and dignitaries, recognizing their contributions to international relations, diplomacy, and support for Ukraine. Recipients include heads of state, government officials, and prominent figures from various nations, underscoring Ukraine's diplomatic engagement.

National Pillars

Within Ukraine, the Order honors individuals who have significantly shaped the nation's development. This includes leading scientists, cultural icons, religious leaders, public servants, and military figures who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the Ukrainian people and state.

Full Knights

The distinction of being a "Full Knight" โ€“ having received all five degrees of the Order โ€“ is exceptionally rare. It signifies a lifetime of profound and multifaceted contributions, representing the pinnacle of recognition within Ukraine's state award system.

As of recent records, the following individuals have been awarded all five degrees of the Order:

  • Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)
  • Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko)
  • Tatsiy Vasyl Yakovych
  • Horbulin Volodymyr Pavlovych
  • Smoliy Valeriy Andriyovych
  • Kravchuk Leonid Makarovych

Notable Recipients

Antony Blinken

United States Secretary of State, recognized for his diplomatic engagement and support for Ukraine.

Carl XVI Gustaf

King of Sweden, acknowledged for his contributions to international relations and state visits.

Jacques Chirac

Former President of France, honored for his leadership and diplomatic ties with Ukraine.

Kersti Kaljulaid

Former President of Estonia, recognized for her steadfast support and bilateral relations.

Andrzej Duda

President of Poland, awarded for his significant role in regional cooperation and support for Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission, honored for her leadership in European affairs and support for Ukraine.

Ben Wallace

Former Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, recognized for his contributions to defense cooperation.

Petr Fiala

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, acknowledged for his government's support and bilateral relations.

Annalena Baerbock

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, recognized for her diplomatic efforts.

Zuzana ฤŒaputovรก

Former President of Slovakia, honored for her leadership and support for Ukraine.

Muhammad bin Salman

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, recognized for state-level engagement.

Mark Rutte

Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and Secretary General of NATO, acknowledged for international leadership.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing information from publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information is presented as-is and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not official state documentation or a substitute for professional consultation. The information provided herein should not be considered definitive or used for official purposes without verification against primary sources. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.