Zelensky honors Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev with the title “Hero of Ukraine”

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the leader of the Crimean Tatar people, human rights defender, People's Deputy of Ukraine, and prominent political and public figure Mustafa Dzhemilev, who turns 80 today.

The Office of the President reported this.

The head of state congratulated Mustafa Dzhemilev on his anniversary and thanked him for defending the interests of Ukraine and his struggle for the rights of the Crimean Tatars.

"I want to thank you for the fact that we are together in this fight. I wish you good health to see our just victory, territorial integrity restoration, and Ukraine's sovereignty. Crimea is Ukraine," said Volodymyr Zelensky and added that it is very nice to congratulate him on the anniversary in person.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

For his significant personal contribution to the formation and development of the independent Ukrainian state, courage and dedication in defending the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, and many years of fruitful political and public activity, the President awarded Mustafa Dzhemilev the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented him with the Order of the State.

The leader of the Crimean Tatar people said that it was an honor for him to receive the highest award because, after two years of full-scale war, it was awarded to soldiers who defended Ukraine's freedom, territorial integrity, and independence at the cost of their lives.

"In such circumstances, this award means a lot to me. At the same time, this is a great moral support for our compatriots, who have been under occupation for the tenth year," he said.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

Mustafa Dzhemilev thanked the President for all the vital work being done with his support in protecting the rights of the Crimean Tatars.

"Your words that this war cannot be ended until the last square meter of our territory is liberated inspire confidence that we will win freedom. I am 80 years old today, and I have one more dream on this earth: to return to my homeland and be buried on my land. And your firm position regarding our territorial integrity gives me confidence that it will definitely come true. Thank you for this high award. Glory to Ukraine!" Mustafa Dzhemilev said.

For reference:

Mustafa Abduldzhemil Jemilev was born November 13, 1943, in Ay Serez, Crimea. He served as the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and was a member of the Ukrainian Parliament since 1998. From 2014 to 2019, he was the Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for the Affairs of the Crimean Tatar People. Jemilev was a member of the Crimean Tatar National Movement and was also a Soviet dissident.