The Bravery of Artem Lukashchev
In November 2025, 8-year-old Artem Lukashchev, a student from Kharkiv, was named a laureate of the 'Children Heroes' campaign organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. He received this honor for an act that saved two lives—his own and his grandmother's. The fire broke out in the boy's apartment due to a short circuit, placing his grandmother, who had limited mobility and could not move on her own, in grave danger.
Without panicking, Artem called emergency number '101', provided the address, and explained that his grandmother, who was unable to leave the smoke-filled home independently, was with him. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), the boy showed remarkable courage in a critical situation.
'I told them I was home alone with my grandmother, who can't get to the hallway. Then I closed the room door and started helping her get out,' Artem shared.
Rescuers arrived quickly at the scene, where smoke was visible on the fourth floor of a nine-story building. They escorted Artem and his grandmother to fresh air and extinguished the fire. Fortunately, neither Artem nor his grandmother sustained any injuries.
The 'Children Heroes' Campaign
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs' 'Children Heroes' campaign recognized ten young Ukrainians as laureates this year. As SES representatives emphasized,
'heroism knows no age,'and they take pride in Artem's actions, which prove that even in the most challenging situations, children can demonstrate bravery, determination, and compassion.
This story not only highlights the heroism of a young boy but also underscores the importance of being prepared to act in emergencies—a readiness that can save lives.
Artem Lukashchev's actions highlight how crucial it is to teach children basic safety skills and proper responses in extreme situations. The incident serves as a reminder that both children and adults need to be prepared for emergencies. The 'Children Heroes' campaign also draws attention to the importance of fostering responsibility and decisiveness in the younger generation, as these qualities can prove decisive in critical moments.
Artem's bravery is part of a larger narrative of heroism among young Ukrainians, as evidenced by the recent recognition of ten courageous children in the Kyiv region. This year's celebration of young heroes by the Ministry of Internal Affairs showcases how children across the country are stepping up in critical situations, much like Artem did, highlighting the vital importance of preparedness and courage in emergencies.