Petro Poroshenko: Mikhail Zhyzneuski gave his life for freedom in Europe

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko awarded Belarusian Mikhail Zhyzneuski with the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

The President of Ukraine awarded the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes go three foreigners – Belarusian Mikhail Zhyzneuski and Georgians Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani – who died during the Revolution of Dignity. Petro Poroshenko signed the appropriate document during a meeting with Mikhail Zhyzneuski's parents and handed them their son's award, charter97.org learnt from the president's press service.

The head of state thanked Zhyzneuski's parents for bringing up a hero, whose memory will always live on in the hearts of Ukrainians. “Your son is a real hero. He gave his life not only for Ukraine, but for democracy and freedom in whole Europe and world,” the president said.

Mikhail Zhyzneuski's mother said her son is regarded in Belarus as a “fascist and nazist”. Unknown people repeatedly remove a Ukrainian flag from his grave. She expressed a hope that the title of the Hero of Ukraine would help change attitude to her son in Belarus.

Petro Poroshenko said the special award – the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes – was founded for the killed heroes of the Revolution of Dignity. The president noted he did his best to give the Hero of Ukraine title to Mikhail Zhyzneuski, but under current laws, the title cannot be given to foreigners. The head of state expressed a hope that the parliament would take appropriate amendments to legislation.