History

This Cross was established in 2009 by Viktor Yushchenko and first awarded on August 18 the same year.

It is awarded for "significant contribution to cultural, military, historical heritage of Ukraine and for acts of charity." This Cross can be conferred to native and non-native citizens.

This cross has been awarded 69 times since its conception.

Ivan Mazepa was the Hetman of the Left-bank of Ukraine and a patron of the arts. During his lifetime he would attempt to separate his realm from the Russian Tsar, Peter I, but ultimately failed when he lost to the Tsar at the battle of Poltava. To this day Mazepa is seen as a Ukrainian hero due to his stand against Russian Imperialism.