Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by European Parliament

The European Parliament has awarded Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The news was shared during a plenary session of the European Parliament.

Furthermore, the people of Ukraine have been named the recipients of the prize. “They are standing up for what they believe in. Fighting for our values. Protecting democracy, freedom & rule of law. Risking their lives for us,” President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said.

The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988. It is awarded yearly to people and organisations for achievements in defence of human rights. Last year, the prize was awarded to Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny who is currently serving time in a penal colony.