Sir Ronald Sanders Receives Ukraine’s Order of Merit for Defence of Sovereignty

Sir Ronald Sanders has received Ukraine’s Order of Merit in recognition of his diplomatic efforts to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) was presented with the decoration at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, DC, on October 19.

The honour was conferred by decree of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 24, 2025, recognising Sir Ronald’s contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation and supporting Ukraine.

Presenting the award on the president’s behalf, Ukraine’s Chargé d’affaires, Denys Sienik, praised Sir Ronald’s leadership in advancing diplomatic action at the OAS.

Sienik credited Antigua and Barbuda’s mission with being a principal driving force behind the organisation’s response to the invasion, including negotiating texts and building support for resolutions defending Ukraine.

He highlighted the February 2022 declaration condemning the invasion, the March 2022 resolution demanding Russia’s immediate military withdrawal, and the April 2022 decision suspending Russia’s Permanent Observer status at the OAS.

Sienik also recognised Sir Ronald’s continued advocacy at OAS General Assemblies and through his published commentaries.

Accepting the decoration, Sir Ronald shared the honour with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, saying its support for Ukraine reflected principles fundamental to the survival and independence of small states.

“For Antigua and Barbuda, and for smaller nations everywhere, sovereignty is the freedom to govern ourselves, preserve our identity and decide how our people will live,” he said.

He warned that violations of international law in one country weaken its protection for others.

“Ukraine’s people bear the suffering of this war. But the principle they are defending belongs to every nation: our unequal power does not diminish our equal rights.”

Sir Ronald also expressed solidarity with Ukrainian families who have lost loved ones or been displaced, calling for a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.