Ukraine's Highest Military Honor Awarded
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Golden Star to Captain Oleksiy Mykhailov, a company commander in the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. The award, issued under decree number 326/2026, recognizes Mykhailov's personal courage and heroism in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This honor is the nation's highest award for military service.
Captain Mykhailov spent an unbroken 343 days on the front lines. Deputy Head of the President's Office, Pavlo Palisa, noted that Oleksiy has endured a difficult combat path, including operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector, defensive actions, and intense combat engagements.
"Under his command, the unit held its sector, repelled enemy assaults, and maintained its positions. Deservedly so,"Palisa emphasized.
Combat Medic Also Honored
The list of honorees also includes combat medic Serhiy Tyshchenko, a junior sergeant of the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade, who previously received the Hero of Ukraine title for a record-breaking deployment. Serhiy Tyshchenko served continuously for 471 days, from the summer of 2024 until the autumn of 2025, operating in the Bakhmut district. His contribution to Ukraine's defense was similarly honored, highlighting the critical and perilous role of medical personnel in combat zones.
The conferral of the Hero of Ukraine title to Captain Oleksiy Mykhailov and Junior Sergeant Serhiy Tyshchenko underscores the immense courage and sacrifice of Ukrainian service members. These awards not only celebrate individual valor but also serve to honor all who have fought for the nation's independence and territorial integrity during a prolonged and brutal conflict. Such recognition is vital for maintaining morale among troops and the broader society, reminding citizens of the debt owed to those on the front lines.
In addition to honoring individual heroes, the nation is also recognizing the collective bravery of its cities. Recently, President Zelenskyy awarded the prestigious 'Hero City' status to several municipalities that have shown extraordinary resilience during the ongoing conflict. This acknowledgment not only highlights the sacrifices made by the residents but also reinforces the spirit of unity and strength in the face of adversity. To learn more about the cities that have received this significant honor, visit the full report on the Hero City status.