Zelensky awarded Oleh Lyashko the Order of Merit: recognition of the drone battalion's role
Systematic work that doesn't always make the headlines: Lyashko's award is not only personal recognition but also a signal of support for drone-defense units. We explain what's behind the decree and why it matters now.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 26, 2026 · 2 min read
What happened
President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Oleh Lyashko the Order "For Merit" III class. The decree was published on the head of state's website; the award was also mentioned in a video by the Presidential Office during the “Army of Drones – 2025” event.
Briefly about the figure
Lyashko is a former people's deputy and leader of the Radical Party, who in autumn 2024 was appointed commander of the battalion of unmanned systems of the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. According to the decree, he holds the rank of senior lieutenant.
"I thanked the president for the award, which is not only mine but also belongs to the entire personnel of the battalion that I have the honor to lead"
— Oleh Lyashko, battalion commander, 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade
Why this matters
This is not just a personal accolade. The award carries several signals at once: first, recognition of the role of drone units in modern warfare; second, an example of integrating public figures and veterans into regular structures with official acknowledgment of their contribution; third, a motivational factor for personnel working on the front line in technology-oriented roles.
Context and figures
Event materials and social media posts stated that Lyashko's battalion is among the top-10 units by the metrics of the “Army of Drones.Bonus” system, specifically holding 10th place in total "e-points." At the event it was also mentioned that the unit was among the top five for inflicting the most losses on enemy personnel.
"The battalion is among the top-10 units that have scored the highest number of e-points for destroying Russian targets in the 'Army of Drones.Bonus' system"
— Mykhailo Fedorov, social media post
What’s next
The award underscores that the state is recording the successes of new forms of combat — in particular drone operations — and is prepared to officially encourage them. This could accelerate the standardization of such units, draw attention to their needs for equipment and logistics, and influence personnel policy within the Defense Forces.
While attention has focused on the award, it is important to look further: will symbolic steps turn into systematic support — financial, material, and operational — for units that are already demonstrating effectiveness on the battlefield.
