Natalia Rylach presented an international award in the field of diplomacy at the ‘Person of the Year – 2025’ ceremony

On 31 October 2026, the 30th anniversary ceremony of the ‘Person of the Year – 2025’ programme took place at the National Opera of Ukraine.

Natalia Rylach, Associate Professor at the Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service of the Institute of International Relations and International Law, and Volodymyr Khandogiy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, presented the international award in the field of diplomacy to Gaël Vésier, Ambassador of the French Republic to Ukraine from 2023 to 2026.

On behalf of the laureate, the award was accepted by Sébastien Surun, Minister-Counsellor at the French Embassy in Ukraine.

The award recognised Gaël Vésier’s personal contribution to strengthening Ukrainian-French relations, developing intergovernmental dialogue and deepening the strategic partnership. Against the backdrop of a full-scale war, this work is of particular significance for international support for Ukraine.

This year’s ceremony was held under the slogan ‘Recognition that inspires generations’.

We are proud that our lecturer has taken part in an event of this calibre. For the Institute of International Relations and Diplomacy, as a leading centre for training specialists for Ukraine’s diplomatic service, this is particularly valuable.