A soldier with a Ukrainian flag insignia on his arm was captured on video smoking a cigarette and saying “Glory to Ukraine” before being shot dead. The incident was widely shared on social media, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the soldier the “Hero of Ukraine” honour. The soldier was identified as Oleksandr Matsievskyy, a sniper from the northern region of Chernihiv. The Ukrainian military confirmed his identity on its Telegram channel.
Zelenskyy made the announcement during his nightly video address on Sunday, saying that Matsievskyy would be remembered for his bravery, confidence in Ukraine, and his defiant “Glory to Ukraine” statement. The term “Glory to Ukraine” has been in use for over a century but became more widespread after Ukraine gained independence from Soviet rule. It has been used as a greeting during the war, with the response “Glory to the Heroes.”
According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, Matsievskyy’s mother, Paraska, spoke to a reporter and said that her son was unarmed but proud to be Ukrainian. She added that he was always incredibly brave and that at that moment, the only weapon he had to defend himself was to say “Glory to Ukraine.”
The video of Matsievskyy’s death has sparked outrage and condemnation from many around the world. Some have called for an investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable. Others have praised Matsievskyy’s bravery and hailed him as a hero.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. Since then, fighting has continued in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists. The conflict has claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced millions of people.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with sporadic fighting continuing despite a ceasefire agreement signed in 2015. The conflict has also strained relations between Russia and the West, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has made progress in recent years towards closer ties with the European Union and NATO. The country has implemented a number of reforms aimed at strengthening its democracy and economy, and has received support from the international community.
However, the conflict in eastern Ukraine remains a major obstacle to Ukraine’s progress. The situation is complicated by Russia’s involvement in the conflict, with many accusing Moscow of providing military support to the separatists. Russia denies these allegations, but its actions have led to widespread condemnation from the international community.
The death of Oleksandr Matsievskyy is a tragic reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the sacrifices made by those who fight for their country. His bravery and defiance in the face of danger have made him a hero to many Ukrainians, and his memory will be honoured for years to come. However, his death is also a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.