Heroes of Ukraine Honored in 15 Categories at Kyiv’s Sixth Annual GOLDEN GLOVE Awards

The 2026 GOLDEN GLOVE Charity Awards Ceremony

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On November 6, 2026, Kyiv hosted the sixth annual GOLDEN GLOVE charity awards, founded by Anna Butkevych. This event celebrates individuals whose professional excellence and dedication have significantly supported Ukraine. Nearly 1,500 guests attended, including notable figures such as Kyrylo Budanov, Vitali Klitschko, Dmytro Gordon, Irina Bilyk, and Alan Badoyev. The awards recognized achievements across 15 categories, honoring military personnel, educators, medical workers, athletes, rescuers, volunteers, railway workers, energy specialists, and more.

Since its inception in 2019, the GOLDEN GLOVE Award has acknowledged over 65 recipients. Founder Anna Butkevych emphasized the value of recognizing everyday heroes, stating:

“We realized that true heroes aren’t always on red carpets. They are around us, performing their duties daily, helping others, taking responsibility, often without recognition.”

She also highlighted the importance of openly discussing charity, adding: “I believe that kindness should be spoken about every day. Good deeds shouldn’t go unnoticed.”

Winners of the 2026 GOLDEN GLOVE Awards

The 2026 honorees included:

• Energy Specialist of the Year – Volodymyr Lisovskyi, recognized for his work at Kyiv’s TEC-5 power plant.
• Rescuers of the Year – Artem Orlov, Denys Frolov, and Mykhailo Khizhniak.
• Railway Workers of the Year – Vitalii Zhurakovskyi, Mykhailo Matola, and Inna Lysanova.
• Doctor of the Year – Oncological surgeon Oleksii Chalyi.
• Teacher of the Year – Yaroslav Sydorenko.
• War Journalist of the Year – Stanislav Kucharchuk.
• Athlete of the Year – Kira Makohonenkо.
• Business of the Year – The inclusive bakery Good People.
• Legend of the Year – Singer Irina Bilyk.
• International Support of the Year – German designer Frank Peter Wilde.
• Heroic Act of the Year – The courageous deed of 18-year-old Ivan Zakharchuk.
• Unique Individual at ATB – Svitlana Shchutska.
• Unique Individual at BGV – Serhii Khomenko.
• Special Award "Victory Technologies" – Oleksandr Nastenko, known as “Flint.”
• Special Award "Resistance Leader" – Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.

Throughout the evening, funds were raised to purchase a mechanical ventilator for the perinatal center in Zhytomyr. Performances were delivered by Irina Bilyk, Maksym Borodin, the band TVORCHI, and veterans from the "Triumph of Spirit. Grace of Dance" project.

The GOLDEN GLOVE ceremony has become a significant occasion that highlights the vital contributions of Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict. Celebrating everyday heroes not only uplifts public morale but also draws attention to the critical support provided by those working selflessly for others. The fundraising efforts for the perinatal center further demonstrate the community’s active participation in charitable causes, a crucial aspect during these challenging times for Ukraine.

Among the distinguished recipients at the GOLDEN GLOVE Awards, the Rescuers of the Year were honored for their courageous underwater mission at Kyiv's power plant, showcasing the incredible dedication of those who risk their lives to ensure public safety. This recognition highlights the ongoing commitment of everyday heroes who serve their communities selflessly.