#SideBySide
As part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” an online meeting was held with Anton Vashchenko, a servicemember from the Khlibodarivska community, to mark Ukrainian Statehood Day and Ukrainian Peacekeepers’ Day.
Residents of the Khlibodarivska community, communities in the Volnovakha district, and the Krupetska community in the Khmelnytskyi region joined the event. The meeting provided a heartfelt space for communication, support, and gratitude toward our defenders.
Olena Barabash, secretary of the Khlibodarivska community, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. She thanked Anton Vashchenko for his courage, selfless service, unbreakable spirit, and defense of Ukraine, wishing him good health, strength, and a swift return home victorious.
During the meeting, Anton shared his personal story of service, which began back in 2014. He spoke about his combat experience, the story behind his two call signs, recalled his childhood, his childhood dreams, and his hometown of Zlatoustivka, shared memories of how the full-scale invasion began for him, and spoke about everyday life in the military, his comrades-in-arms, and the power of unity and support.
The defender’s story left no one unmoved. The participants sincerely thanked Anton for his candor, courage, and for giving them the opportunity to hear the story of a man who has defended our country’s independence for over 10 years. Many warm words of support were shared, along with wishes for good health, resilience, and peace as soon as possible.
We sincerely thank Anton Vashchenko and all our defenders—both men and women—for their courage, self-sacrifice, and resilience. It is thanks to you that Ukraine continues to fight, live, and build its future.
Based on materials from the Khlibodarivka Village Military Administration