Ukrainian President Honors Three Fallen Soldier-Athletes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree awarding the Order of Merit, Third Class, posthumously to three athletes who served in the military. The awards recognize their personal courage and their defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Those Honored
- Roman Holovatiuk, a kickboxer for the Ukrainian national team under WAKO, served in the Special Operations Forces. He was killed near Toretsk in the Donetsk region on August 29, 2024.
- Oleksii Khabarov, a Master of Sport of International Class in shooting, was a multiple champion of Ukraine and Europe and a coach for the national team. He was killed on the Pokrovsk front on August 20, 2025.
- Mykhailo Tsap, a handball player and coach who won numerous titles in Ukraine and the Israeli Cup. During the full-scale war, he served as a combat medic in the 3rd Infantry Platoon, 1st Infantry Company and was killed near Luhanske in Donetsk on February 24, 2024.
These awards serve as a tribute to their bravery and self-sacrifice in defending their nation. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, many Ukrainian civilians, including prominent athletes, have taken up arms to defend their country.
The presidential decree honors not only the athletic achievements of the recipients but also their dedication to service during Ukraine's ongoing war. These posthumous awards underscore the vital role civilians have played in the conflict and help preserve the memory of heroes who gave their lives for their homeland. Such gestures can serve as an example for future generations, highlighting the enduring value of courage and patriotism in times of national crisis.