Yesterday(August 19, 2026), amidst all the political upheavals and news of scandals as well as yet another murderous Russian ballistic missile raid on Kyiv, President Zelenskyy was still on point making sure that a great selfless and exemplary deed was acknowledged and rightfully rewarded. President Zelenskyy awarded Ukraine\u2019s highest honor, the Hero of Ukraine, to Junior lieutenant Vladyslav \u201cTeacher\u201d Polskyi. By now assault unit commander Polskyi\u2019s selfless exploit in battle for quickly jumping into a truck and racing to rescue his wounded troops, is well-known and fast becoming the stuff of legend. Here\u2019s the full statement from the office of the president:<\/p>\n
The President Awarded the Title of Hero of Ukraine to Vladyslav Polskyi, Who Rescued Two Seriously Wounded Brothers-in-Arms<\/p>\n
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Vladyslav Polskyi (call sign Teacher), commander of an assault company of the 475th Separate Assault Regiment CODE 9.2.<\/p>\n
After successfully completing a combat mission in the Derhachi\u2013Kozacha Lopan area of the Kharkiv region, two Ukrainian warriors came under attack by enemy drones and sustained serious injuries. To evacuate them, their brothers-in-arms sent a ground robotic system. But when the defenders were ready to be evacuated, the occupiers attacked them with an FPV drone and disabled the unmanned ground vehicle. The wounded warriors were left in an open area, where they could be attacked again at any moment. Without losing time, assault company commander Vladyslav Polskyi decided to go for them himself. He drove both warriors out of the battlefield, saving their lives.<\/p>\n
The Head of State highlighted Vladyslav Polskyi\u2019s heroism, his swift and courageous response in a combat situation, and his rescue of the lives of our warriors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis undoubtedly heroic event took place on August 15 \u2013 Vladyslav used a pickup truck to rescue two guys from an area within range of Russian drones. An outstanding story. Great courage. And an example of a commander\u2019s action worth following. People must be taken care of. Thank you, Vladyslav!\u201d said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.<\/p>\n