On June 12, a patriotic event titled “Children-Heroes” took place in Yasnogorodka, Kyiv Oblast, celebrating the courage of young individuals who have shown remarkable bravery during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, aims to recognize children who have risked their lives to protect their families or who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
This year, ten children from various regions of Ukraine were honored for their acts of valor, which included saving relatives from dangerous situations and assisting the military. Among the recipients was 15-year-old Kalyna Paprotska from Korosten, Zhytomyr Oblast, who shielded her two-year-old niece during a Russian attack in April 2026.
Kalyna recounted her experience, describing a sunny day when an air raid alert prompted her to stay home instead of going to school. She was playing on a swing while her niece, Amira, played nearby. Suddenly, she heard a sound approaching, followed by an explosion. “I quickly grabbed Amira, and at that moment, I felt the shockwave. I ended up on the doorstep, on my knees, holding her close,” Kalyna recalled.
“I didn’t think about myself; I only wanted to protect my little niece. I love her very much and saved what is dearest to me,” she added.
Another awardee, 17-year-old Oleg Shmychka from the Velikopysarivka community in Sumy Oblast, lost a leg and an eye due to an attack by a Russian drone. He has since adapted to life with a prosthetic leg and continues his studies in construction.
“I was returning home from class when we were attacked. I lost my leg in the explosion, and my friend ran for help. I managed to crawl away from the burning drone, applying a tourniquet to myself with my bag strap before the military arrived and provided professional assistance,” Oleg explained.
Despite the challenges, Oleg has remained determined, completing his rehabilitation and continuing his education. His family had previously decided to evacuate from their border area due to the conflict.
Among the honorees was 9-year-old Maria Krasota from Hannoil, Vinnytsia Oblast, who rescued her younger brothers from a fire caused by a malfunctioning heating system. Maria, who had just finished the third grade, managed to carry her brothers to safety and attempted to extinguish the flames, which ultimately destroyed half their home. She expressed her aspiration to join the police force in the future.
A young hero, Artem Lukashchev, also received recognition for saving himself and his grandmother during a fire in their apartment. At just 9 years old, he called emergency services, clearly stating, “There’s a fire in my apartment, and my grandmother can’t get out!”
11-year-old Maksym Borodin from Kamianske received an award for his volunteer work with the military. For the past two and a half years, he has dedicated time after school to weave nets for soldiers, stating, “I didn’t have money, so I decided to help by making nets. I can weave for three to four hours straight… I dream of finishing quickly, but ultimately, I hope for the war to end.”
Other awardees included 15-year-old Kyrylo Salov, a swimmer who has won numerous medals despite a congenital hand defect, and 17-year-old Oleksandr Lemish, who saved a child from drowning. Oleksandr is currently studying at a security-focused vocational school and is motivated by the loss of his father, who died defending Ukraine.
Additionally, 14-year-old Rostyslav Pachkovskyi and 17-year-old Oleksandr Kazaryan were recognized for their bravery during a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia on May 5, where they helped evacuate injured individuals from a burning building despite the risk of further strikes.
Lastly, 15-year-old Diana Nasibova from Nizhyn has been fundraising for the military by selling handmade crafts at her local market every weekend for the past four years. She has raised a total of 7 million hryvnias, using the funds to purchase vehicles and equipment for soldiers.
“People come, donate, support, and say words that motivate me to continue doing more,” Diana said.
The 'Children-Heroes' event in Ukraine recognized young individuals for their extraordinary acts of bravery amid the ongoing conflict. These children have demonstrated remarkable courage in saving lives and supporting their communities, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.