This was reported by Vadym Filashkin, Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration and Chief of the Regional Military Administration.
Oleksiy Yukov's wife, Yevheniia Kaluhina, received the Order of the State, while Stepan Chubenko's parents—Stalina and Viktor Chubenko—received the "Gold Star" Order. Both were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
Their stories are very different. Stepan was only 16 when he was killed by Russian militants in 2014 for his pro-Ukrainian stance. Oleksiy dedicated many years to bringing the fallen back home so their families could bid them a dignified farewell.
Between these fates lie years of war, but they are united by what matters most: loyalty to Ukraine and a readiness to fight for it to the end.
It is especially symbolic that their highest honors were received by their loved ones on Independence Day. These awards embody the nation's memory of those who paid the ultimate price for Ukraine's right to be free.
"I thank the President for the memory and high state recognition of our compatriots.
Donetsk Oblast will remember its Heroes and pass their stories on to future generations," emphasized Vadym Filashkin.