Albania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, was honored on Thursday with one of Ukraine’s highest state decorations, the Order of Princess Olga, bestowed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, during her official visit to Kyiv.

In her remarks following the ceremony, Spiropali said the honor does not belong to a single individual, but reflects Albania’s stance and that of every European who stands with freedom.

“Ukraine today is not defending only its own land, but also Europe’s conscience. In its bombarded cities and in the resistance of its people, it is being decided whether our continent will live in peace and justice, or under fear and force,” the minister said.

The decoration bears the name of Princess Olga, a historical figure who led with dignity in difficult times. Spiropali described receiving it as “a moral responsibility as much as an honor.”

President Zelensky had previously announced his intention to award the decoration to the Albanian minister, while the official ceremony took place today in Kyiv.