Major Andrii Hutsal: The Ukrainian Border Guard Hero Who Never Left a Comrade Behind

Honoring the Memory of Major Andrii Hutsal

According to Главком: Major Andrii Hutsal of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service was killed in action on February 25, 2024, near the village of Ivanivske in the Donetsk region. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. His death resulted from a direct hit by an enemy anti-tank guided missile on the troop compartment of his BMP infantry fighting vehicle at approximately 22:03. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has seen intense fighting for key villages, with soldiers like Hutsal on the front lines of the defense.

Born in Kyiv on February 4, 1978, Andrii Hutsal joined the 3rd Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service in July 2023. Prior to his deployment, he underwent military training with instructors from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He was consistently noted for his courage and bravery in the line of duty.

Combat Missions and Acts of Valor

Major Hutsal's unit was active in the area of the settlement of Kurdiiumivka in Donetsk Oblast, notably on January 17, 2024. He participated in numerous high-risk rescue operations, demonstrating his commitment to his fellow soldiers:

• On January 22, 2024, he evacuated a wounded soldier under enemy fire.
• On January 25, he spent four hours under fire retrieving the body of a fallen comrade.
• On February 6, he evacuated a casualty from a minefield.
• On February 7, he evacuated a wounded soldier following combat.
• On February 14, he organized the evacuation of a wounded soldier from a position of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade.

His final battle occurred on February 25, 2024, when enemy forces deployed several motorized infantry platoons, mortar fire, and armored vehicles. During the engagement, Hutsal sustained minor shrapnel wounds to his limbs and torso. The enemy lost approximately 10 assault troops, four of whom were eliminated by Hutsal himself. After returning to position, his unit destroyed about eight more enemy assault troops and wounded five others.

Tragically, all personnel inside the BMP at the moment of the missile strike were killed. By Presidential Decree No. 126/2025 dated February 26, 2025, Major Andrii Dmytrovych Hutsal was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented with the Order of the Gold Star.

“Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war.”

The death of Major Hutsal underscores the perilous and complex reality on Ukraine's eastern front, where service members risk their lives daily to defend the nation's territorial integrity. His heroic actions, particularly rescuing the wounded under fire, testify to his high professionalism and dedication. His posthumous recognition is a vital part of remembering all who have fallen in the struggle for Ukraine's freedom.