Critical Rescue Mission Near Bakhmut
Serhiy Bodnya has been appointed as the chief sergeant of the operational platoon within the 4th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) known as "Rubizh." He played a vital role in a daring rescue operation on the Bakhmut front, where Ukrainian forces found themselves encircled by enemy troops. The intense mission lasted just over an hour, during which the unit covered 8 kilometers across open terrain while under relentless attacks from hostile drones. Each soldier carried raid backpacks weighing between 25 and 30 kilograms.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the Ukrainian troops, they successfully forced the enemy to pull back their forces, enabling the surrounded group to safely withdraw and preserve lives.
"We covered 8 kilometers in open ground under enemy drone strikes in just over an hour. Considering we were carrying raid backpacks weighing 25 to 30 kilograms, this was an exceptionally fast pace. We launched offensive actions that compelled the enemy to divert their forces onto us. This allowed our encircled unit to retreat and save lives."
Serhiy Bodnya
Recognition for Courage and Valor
On July 30, 2026, Serhiy Bodnya was awarded the President of Ukraine's "Combat Merit Cross" in recognition of his bravery and heroic conduct. His leadership and selflessness have become a powerful example of the dedication shown by Ukrainian soldiers amid intense combat situations.
This rescue operation highlights not only the professionalism of Ukraine’s armed forces but also their capacity to execute complex maneuvers under extreme pressure. Incidents like this emphasize the critical importance of coordinated teamwork and strategic planning in wartime, factors that can decisively influence battle outcomes. Bodnya’s decoration also symbolizes the official acknowledgment of the courage and sacrifice exhibited by Ukrainian troops on the front lines, inspiring others to continue defending the nation’s independence.
Serhiy Bodnya's commendable actions are reminiscent of other heroic deeds within the National Guard, such as those of Oleksiy Tosmuk, who was also awarded the Combat Merit Cross for his bravery in rescuing wounded soldiers. These stories of valor not only highlight individual courage but also underscore the collective strength and resilience of Ukrainian forces in challenging combat scenarios.