Zelensky awards Mufti of Crimea Order of Merit

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Mufti of Crimea Ayder Rustemov. Photo: Facebook

On April 8, 2026, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, awarded the Mufti of Crimea, Ayder Rustemov, the Order of Merit, Third Class. The mufti reported this on his Facebook page.

Volodymyr Zelensky presented the award to the Chairman of the Board of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, noting his contribution to public activities.

"I perceive this distinction not as a personal award, but as a great responsibility. This is not about honor. This is about duty. About the need to work even more, even more decisively and even more responsibly. I usually conclude each of my messages, each address with the words: 'Our struggle continues.' Today these words have an even deeper meaning for me. Because this award is not a full stop. It is a sign that we cannot stop," he noted.

The mufti emphasized that he perceives the award as recognition of the merits of the entire Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as all those who participate in its activities.

"This distinction is for everyone who follows this path – the path of service, the path of responsibility, the path of good. I sincerely thank the President of Ukraine for his high trust," Ayder Rustemov emphasized.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zelensky congratulated Muslims on Ramadan Bayram.

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