At the third annual "UP 100" awards ceremony on November 26, held in Kyiv, a hundred Ukrainians who are shaping the independence and future of the country were honored. Among the laureates is former mayor of Kherson, Vladimir Mykolayenko, who has his own unique story and views on the current situation in Ukraine.
Mykolayenko received the award and during his speech, written on the train from Kherson to Kyiv, shared his thoughts on the paths that led to the war, and what should be done to achieve victory. He focused on the geography that determines the fate of Ukraine, emphasizing the need to accept reality and realize that preventing tragedy was difficult.
“We are still torturing ourselves with these ‘what ifs’, if we hadn’t given up our nuclear weapons, what alternatives would we have,” he noted in his speech. Mykolayenko also expressed his outrage towards those politicians who, in his opinion, do not understand the seriousness of the situation and dream of a “backup Ukraine” that they will never be able to realize.
Natalia Sedletska in the UP100 Ranking
Among the other honorees was Natalia Sedletska, head of the Kyiv bureau of "Radio Free Europe" and the investigative journalism project "Schemes". Her contribution to the fight for truth and social responsibility was also recognized. Sedletska was highlighted in the "Society" category, as she actively covers corruption crimes and Russian influence in Ukraine.
This year, the "UP 100" ranking was released under the theme “Boundary of Choice/Choice at the Boundary” and includes veterans, civic activists, volunteers, and military personnel. This recognition highlights the importance of leadership in challenging times when every decision is critically important.
The awards ceremony confirmed that Ukrainians not only unite in difficult times but also demonstrate determination in their fight for dignity, freedom, and truth.
