Heroes Without Weapons
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian rescue crews have repeatedly had to search for survivors in the rubble of residential buildings. Vasyl Vashchenko, a Kyiv rescuer with nearly three years in the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, knows that reality all too well. He joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022 to defend his country, and after finishing his military service, he returned to the emergency service and its mission of saving lives.
On June 17, 2025, Vashchenko’s unit responded to the aftermath of a Russian missile strike on an apartment building in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv. The attack killed 23 people, wounded 27, and left two survivors who were pulled out alive. Rescue crews worked without pause for almost two days, showing remarkable professionalism and unity in the middle of a disaster.
“What struck me most then was the solidarity among all the units. We worked without stopping for almost two days. Everyone knew exactly what to do and went beyond what seemed possible to find people under the rubble.” Vasyl Vashchenko
Vashchenko first became interested in rescue work because of a relative who was already in the field. From 2016 to 2019, he served as a contract soldier in the Ukrainian military, gaining experience he would later rely on in his career with the State Emergency Service. In his free time, he stays active with sports and goes fishing to keep fit and unwind after demanding shifts.
His bravery and commitment have earned him several awards, including the State Emergency Service’s “For Courage in an Emergency Situation” badge and the “For the Defense of Ukraine” medal.
“I didn’t come here by chance but because I felt called to it. I truly love this work. Every response is something new. You gain a huge amount of experience and plenty of adrenaline, but most importantly you realize you can save someone’s life.” Vasyl Vashchenko
Vashchenko remains on active duty, saving people and trying to ease their suffering through these difficult years. “I want the war to end as soon as possible,” he said. “So that people stop losing their homes and loved ones, and all of us can have a peaceful, happy future.”
His story reflects both a personal journey and the wider challenges Ukraine faces during wartime. It shows how essential professional training and close teamwork are in emergency situations. Rescuers like him do more than clear debris after attacks—they help keep a nation’s spirit alive, giving people hope in the darkest moments.
Vasyl Vashchenko's dedication to saving lives is not an isolated incident. His story echoes the heroic efforts of other Ukrainian rescuers, such as the one who recently saved a girl from drowning after a fall through ice. These brave individuals often face life-and-death situations, showcasing remarkable courage and skill in the most challenging conditions. To read more about another inspiring rescue, check out this story about a rescuer's quick actions on a frozen lake. A Ukrainian Rescuer's Heroic Acts.