Maritime servicemen from Odesa and Izmail have been honored by the President of Ukraine. By decrees №723/2025 and №724/2025 issued on September 30, 2025, the 1st and 18th detachments of the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have been awarded the honorary title «For Courage and Valor». This was reported by the press service of the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service.
The award ceremony took place on the occasion of Defender's Day in Ukraine. Honorary ribbons were presented to the commanders of the units – Captain 1st Rank Roman Mahera and Captain 1st Rank Oleg Shiksha.
Throughout the years of war, border guards have repeatedly shown their dedication to duty, carrying out missions in the ATO and JFO zones, and protecting the southern borders of the country since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
«Dear comrades! Today, our unit received a special award – «For Courage and Valor». This symbolizes our loyalty to the oath, resilience in the storms of war, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian maritime border guard. We have proven ourselves worthy of continuing the glorious traditions of Ukrainian defenders of maritime borders. We stood firm where the waves of danger rose and confidently steer towards Victory. I am proud of each of you! This award belongs to our entire maritime family – the living heroes and those who remain forever at sea. May the sea be your friend, the wind at your back, and the Battle Flag with the new ribbon remind us: we are an invincible force! Glory to Ukraine!», said Roman Mahera, addressing the unit.
«Dear maritime border guards! It is a great honor to receive the award «For Courage and Valor». This is a confirmation that we are effectively executing our tasks to protect the southern borders of the state. This recognition symbolizes our strength, resilience, and devotion to Ukraine. We have shown that the servicemen of the Maritime Guard are capable of withstanding where others falter. This award belongs to everyone – to those who are currently in service and to those who will forever remain at sea. We will continue their legacy and we will certainly win. I wish that the sea is always your ally, the waves lead you to victories, and the wind fills the sails of our freedom. Together we are an invincible force! Glory to Ukraine!», emphasized Oleg Shiksha.