The Death of Serhii Prykhodko
Serhii Prykhodko, a rescue flight attendant with the Ukrainian Helicopters airline, was posthumously awarded the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage — the highest UN honor of its kind. This marked the first time the medal was given to a civilian. Prykhodko lost his life on March 7, 2025, during a UN evacuation mission in the Republic of South Sudan, when gunfire suddenly broke out as the helicopter was landing. He died shielding those boarding the aircraft.
Commander Serhii Muzuka and co-pilot Dmytro Teplikh sustained gunshot wounds but, despite their injuries, managed to lift the damaged helicopter — which had over 20 bullet holes in its hull — and fly eight evacuees out of the line of fire. This act of heroism during a dangerous mission was the basis for Prykhodko’s posthumous recognition.
Award Ceremony
On June 5, 2025, a ceremony was held at UN headquarters in New York, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented the medal to Prykhodko’s wife, Tetiana, and his 6-year-old daughter, Yelyzaveta. In his speech, Guterres stated:
“No one should die serving the cause of peace. Attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law, and member states must fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety of UN personnel under all circumstances.” — António Guterres
Who Was Serhii Prykhodko
A native of Boryspil, Prykhodko had logged over 3,500 flight hours and participated in 50 rescue operations. He also held a license to pilot light aircraft. His tragic death was a loss not only for his family but also for the entire community that values heroism and bravery.
About the Award
The Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal was established by the UN Security Council in 2014 in honor of a Senegalese officer who sacrificed himself in Rwanda in 1994. Before Prykhodko, the medal had only been awarded three times, all to military personnel, underscoring the uniqueness and significance of his recognition.
Ukraine and Peacekeeping
Since 1992, Ukraine has taken part in 36 UN peacekeeping operations, involving 44,000 Ukrainians. During this time, 55 Ukrainians have died in peacekeeping missions. The Ukrainian Helicopters airline has been operating in UN missions for over 20 years, providing critical support in challenging environments.
Honoring Serhii Prykhodko and his posthumous award highlights the importance of peacekeepers' work and the dangers they face on duty. This event also underscores the need for the international community to ensure the protection of UN personnel operating in conflict zones. Recognizing the heroism of civilians in peacekeeping missions could be a crucial step in raising awareness of their role in maintaining peace and security worldwide.