A sergeant from the National Guard brigade “Khartiya,” known by the call sign “Major,” was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine in late January. Throughout the previous year, he played a crucial role in defending northern Kharkiv, preventing enemy forces from advancing closer to the major city.
In an exclusive interview with Ukrinform, the decorated soldier shared insights about his combat experience and the current situation on the front lines.
During an operation in 2025, he encountered an enemy sabotage group and engaged in combat, resulting in the elimination of five enemy soldiers and forcing the group to retreat. He later led an operational team to successfully defend against an enemy assault, personally destroying five more enemy combatants and a BMP vehicle while coordinating fire from adjacent units to repel the attack.
“I believe this honor is a reflection of collective efforts,” he stated, highlighting that his achievements were the result of numerous engagements rather than a single event. His experiences in battles across various regions, including Kherson and the Serebryansk forestry, contributed to this recognition.
“We have captured prisoners, as they sometimes surrender. Their claims of ‘We are Russians, we will not surrender’ often falter under pressure,” he recounted, describing a particularly challenging mission in 2025 where his unit had to maintain a corridor for reinforcements while facing continuous assaults.
The sergeant explained a strategic deception that led to the capture of four Russian soldiers, who mistakenly believed they were engaging fellow Russians. This miscommunication was pivotal in their capture, as the enemy units failed to realize they were under attack from Ukrainian forces.
He noted that the enemy has been increasingly active, launching assaults throughout the year, although the intensity of these attacks varies. “There is pressure, but it is not constant. They attempt to advance in small groups, often misled into believing there are no Ukrainian forces present,” he explained.
Originally from Mykolaiv, the 40-year-old sergeant had previously served in the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade during the 2014 anti-terrorist operation. Before rejoining the military at the onset of the full-scale invasion, he worked in a tire repair shop.
His family, including his wife and mother, initially opposed his decision to return to combat, particularly given his responsibilities as a father to three children. “When I approached the village council to enlist, I was met with resistance. I made it clear that I was not asking for permission; I was informing them of my decision to go to war,” he stated.
Currently, he trains new recruits, emphasizing the importance of discipline over all else. He believes that while technology plays a significant role in modern warfare, the presence of infantry remains irreplaceable on the front lines.
“The main challenge for infantry is the high turnover due to drone activity. It is increasingly difficult to operate without being detected,” he said, reflecting on the evolving nature of combat.
In closing, he expressed his unwavering belief in Ukraine’s eventual victory, dismissing the notion of negotiations as a viable solution. “We must endure, and as they say, hold out for one more day,” he concluded.
Within the National Guard brigade “Khartiya,” two members have received the Hero of Ukraine title, including a junior lieutenant recognized for his involvement in the Kupiansk operation last fall. Additionally, two servicemen were awarded posthumously for their bravery during combat operations.
This report details the experiences of a National Guardsman awarded the Hero of Ukraine title for his defense efforts in the Kharkiv region. His account highlights the challenges faced on the front lines, including enemy tactics and the importance of infantry in modern warfare.
Source: Ukrinform
