On July 15, 2026, at the initiative of the Bakhmut Youth Council, an online meeting was held dedicated to significant state dates - the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of Ukrainian Peacekeepers. The patriotic event was attended by members of the Youth Council under the Donetsk Regional State Administration, representatives of the Regional Youth Congress of Donetsk region, as well as active and conscious youth of the region's communities.
The main guests of the event were:
Oleksandr Krokovets - Hero of Ukraine, veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His combat experience and feat are directly related to the most difficult defense operations in eastern Ukraine, in particular in the Donetsk region. The title of Hero of Ukraine (with the award of the Order of the Gold Star) is the highest degree of state distinction, indicating the performance of a significant heroic act during the performance of combat missions.
Oleg Kravchenko is a veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a military peacekeeper. Before the start of the full-scale invasion, he participated in international peacekeeping missions, where he gained unique experience. With the beginning of Russian aggression, he stood up for the defense of the eastern borders of Ukraine, applying his knowledge and experience to defend the Donetsk region at the most critical moments, having gone from peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN/NATO to direct fierce battles for the territorial integrity of his own state.
The meeting was held in the format of extremely sincere and open communication. The servicemen shared their experience with the younger generation, talked about the power of brotherhood, the indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit and the daily struggle for the freedom of our state. The youth had a unique opportunity to ask the defenders the questions that worried them the most - from the peculiarities of military life to internal sources of motivation and faith in Victory.
This dialogue was not just a discussion of historical dates, but a real lesson in courage, patriotism, and unity. The youth of Donetsk expressed deep gratitude to the military for their feat and assured that they would continue to actively maintain a reliable rear and work for the restoration and development of Ukraine.