The Donetsk Regional Council announces the winners of the regional selection round for the "Order of St. Panteleimon" award for the 2025–2026 season.
Medical Service Captain Maksym Melnyk, head of the medical station of the “Donbas” battalion (military unit 3035), won the regional stage of the “Order of St. Panteleimon” award in the “Lifeline Support” category.
Maksym Melnyk is a graduate of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Until 2017, he worked as an emergency physician in his native Sumy region, after which he dedicated himself to military medicine.
His service has saved hundreds of lives in the hottest conflict zones.
On April 17, 2022, despite his own injuries and artillery fire, Maksym evacuated his comrades and saved a soldier whose injuries were considered fatal.
Colleagues and commanders commend Maksym not only for his personal courage but also for his high level of organization of medical services. He introduced the use of ground-based robotic systems (GRS) for evacuation, which significantly reduced the time it takes to transport the wounded. He regularly conducts tactical medical training for soldiers, turning knowledge into a tool for survival.
To his colleagues and subordinates, Maksym is a model of iron will and deep empathy. His commanders describe him as a proactive and decisive officer, capable of making extremely difficult decisions in chaotic situations.
For his selfless service, Captain Melnyk has been awarded the state medals “For Saving Lives” and “For Military Service to Ukraine.” His nomination for the “Order of St. Panteleimon” is a recognition of his boundless dedication to his medical duty on the front lines.
We sincerely wish Maksym Melnyk, our true “Pillar of Life,” nationwide recognition and a well-deserved victory!
Based on materials from the Donetsk Regional Council regarding the "Order of St. Panteleimon"