1. Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 491/2026 establishes a new honorary award, “Community-Rescuer,” to recognize territorial communities that have demonstrated courage, compassion, and solidarity in defending the independence of Ukraine. The award is conferred upon communities whose residents provide humanitarian aid to frontline territories, support the defense forces, and contribute to strengthening the state’s defense capability. This is a one-time award presented by decree of the President of Ukraine.
2. The structure of the act includes the Decree itself, the Regulation on the Award, as well as technical descriptions (drawings) of the statuette, commemorative plaque, and case. The Regulation defines the grounds for awarding, the nominating entities (the Cabinet of Ministers, regional administrations, and the Kyiv City State Administration), and the presentation procedure. As this is a new regulatory act, it does not amend previous versions but rather creates a new instrument for state recognition of the merits of territorial communities under martial law.
3. The most important provisions for practical application:
* **Selection Criteria:** The award is granted to communities that systematically assist territories located in combat zones or those that are temporarily occupied.
* **Initiation Procedure:** Submissions for consideration by the President are prepared by executive authorities (the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Regional State Administrations, Kyiv City State Administration), which requires them to collect and verify information regarding the volume of aid provided by the community.
* **Form of the Award:** The award consists of a statuette (depicting hands holding a heart), a commemorative plaque featuring the text of the decree and the community’s coat of arms, as well as a special case.
* **Limitations:** Re-conferral of the award to the same community is not provided for.
