Posthumous Hero of Ukraine Honors Awarded to Lieutenant Kvasnyi and Sergeant Shymansky for Their Sacrifice Near Irpin

Recognition with the Hero of Ukraine Title

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: President Volodymyr Zelensky has posthumously honored Lieutenant Zakhar Kvasnyi and Junior Sergeant Roman Shymansky with the prestigious title of Hero of Ukraine. Both soldiers lost their lives on February 25, 2022, while carrying out a critical combat mission near the city of Irpin. Serving in the 70th Engineering Support Center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, they demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Lieutenant Kvasnyi, who led an engineer-sapper platoon, was killed during an operation to demolish a bridge near Irpin. After successfully destroying the bridge, Ukrainian forces came under attack by Russian troops. Kvasnyi and Shymansky remained at the demolition post, where they tragically fell. The President’s decree №1092/2026 granted the Hero of Ukraine title to Lieutenant Kvasnyi, while Junior Sergeant Shymansky received the honor under decree №1093/2026.

The remains of both servicemen were recovered amid the fighting for the liberation of Hostomel. Zakhar Kvasnyi’s body was returned to his family on March 6, 2022, at a Kyiv morgue, while Roman Shymansky’s remains were found earlier, on March 2, 2022.

• Zakhar Kvasnyi was born in July 1999 in the village of Ruda, located in the Khmelnytskyi region. He studied at the Kamianets-Podilskyi Lyceum with enhanced military and physical training and later earned a degree from the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy.
• Roman Shymansky hailed from Vinnytsia region, spending his childhood in the village of Voinashivka. He graduated with honors from a construction lyceum and continued his education at a technical college in Kharkiv, but began his mandatory military service during his first year.

In 2006, Shymansky continued his service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and from 2014 onwards, he actively participated in demining operations in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone. As a sapper, he was also a mentor to younger comrades-in-arms.

“The Hero of Ukraine title is awarded for personal courage and heroism demonstrated in protecting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for devoted service to the Ukrainian people.”

Presidential Decree of Ukraine

This recognition plays a vital role in honoring the memory and valor of Ukrainian soldiers who gave their lives defending their homeland.

The Significance of Commemorating Fallen Soldiers

The posthumous awarding of the Hero of Ukraine status to Zakhar Kvasnyi and Roman Shymansky underscores the importance of remembering those who perished in combat during the ongoing conflict. Such acknowledgments not only pay tribute to their sacrifices but also serve to strengthen national morale and solidarity. Recognizing their heroism helps reinforce the collective spirit essential for Ukraine’s continued struggle for independence and sovereignty.

For international audiences, understanding these honors provides insight into the Ukrainian military’s resilience and the personal sacrifices fueling their defense efforts amid the Russian invasion.

In addition to the recent honors bestowed upon Lieutenant Kvasnyi and Sergeant Shymansky, the sacrifices of other brave servicemen have also been recognized. For instance, Lieutenant Colonel Zybrov received the Hero of Ukraine title posthumously for his valiant actions on February 24, 2022. These recognitions highlight the ongoing commitment and courage of Ukrainian soldiers in defending their nation during these challenging times.