The Order of Merit (Орден «За заслуги») is given to individuals for outstanding achievements in economics, science, culture, military or political spheres of activity. The Order was first established by Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma on August 18, 1992. On September 22, 1996, it was transformed into three classes of the Order of Merit.
There are 3 grades to the Order, the highest being the first grade honors. Those who are awarded the Order of Merit have the official title Chevalier of the Order of Merit. The order can be granted posthumously.
The Order of Merit Design
Awards to serving members of the armed forces bear crossed swords.
