President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky decreed that The Order of Merit of Ukraine will be awarded to Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States.

The honour is being conferred on Sir Ronald “for a significant contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” The formal presentation will take place at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in September.

Sir Ronald has been a consistent advocate for Ukraine on the international stage. At the Organization of American States (OAS), he spearheaded resolutions and declarations in support of Ukraine, while also using his syndicated weekly column to highlight the importance of global solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Reacting to the announcement, Sir Ronald said:
“I am greatly honoured by the award from President Zelensky. I regard it as an award not only to me but to my Government in Antigua and Barbuda for its stance in standing up for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law.”

This recognition underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to defending international law and the sovereignty of states, as well as the country’s growing voice in global diplomacy.