Participant in the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the nomination "Heart Devoted to Donbas" Andrii ZUYAKOV
Andrii Zuiakov was born in Kramatorsk in 1994. He studied at the Luhansk National University named after Taras Shevchenko, Faculty of Natural Sciences, graduating with honors in 2017 with a master's degree in Ecology. During his studies, he worked at the university's zoological museum, dedicating himself to scientific research. In 2014, due to the outbreak of hostilities, Andrii returned from Luhansk to Kramatorsk.
In 2015, Andrii co-founded the non-governmental organization "Ecology of the Industrial Region." His active civic stance continued to manifest in subsequent years through cooperation with the "Ukrainian Rescue Service" and NGOs "Healthy Choice" and "Let's Do It Ukraine." Andrii also boasts significant sporting achievements: he is a 2nd category judge and holds a 1st sports rank in the Donetsk Regional Branch of the Ukrainian Armsport Federation.
Furthermore, Andrii is a member of the jury for the Donetsk Ecological and Naturalistic Center. In 2016, he became a graduate of the all-Ukrainian project "Workshop of an Ecological Public Activist." His engagement in public life continued: in 2017, he joined the Public Council under the Donetsk Regional State Administration, and in 2018, the Public Council under the Kramatorsk City Council.
From 2017 to 2021, Andrii worked as a chief specialist in the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. From November 2021 to September 2024, he served as Deputy Director of the "Kleban-Byk" Regional Landscape Park, and from September 2024, he became the head of the "Holosiivska" branch of the same park.
With the onset of the full-scale invasion, Andrii actively joined the defense of his homeland. He co-founded the public organization "Kramatorsk Volunteers' Association," which is involved in population evacuation, construction of defensive structures, and delivery of humanitarian aid. Since March 30, 2022, Andrii has served as a soldier in the "Kramatorsk – 2" Volunteer Formation of the Territorial Community, performing tasks within the city.
According to the order of the Head of the Regional State Administration, Head of the Regional Military Administration, Andrii is involved in organizing the construction of a resilient defense line. He actively participates in the construction and equipping of military engineering-technical and fortification structures, as well as in creating new and strengthening existing defensive lines in Donetsk Oblast, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions. His responsibilities include logistical support for fortification works, mobilization of human and technical resources from Donetsk Oblast communities, the State Emergency Service, and enterprises.
Andrii successfully completed training under the Donetsk Regional State Administration's pilot program "Leadership for the Reconstruction of Donbas."
He is a co-author of a number of important scientific publications, including: "Red Book of Donetsk Oblast. Animal World" (2017), "Nature Reserve Fund of Donetsk Oblast" (2018), and "Kleban-Byk Regional Landscape Park – Historical and Natural Monument of Donbas" (2020). He also co-developed projects for the creation of new nature reserve sites between 2017 and 2021.
In addition to his professional and defense activities, Andrii organizes numerous ecological campaigns, animal protection, and sports events in Donetsk Oblast. Thanks to his efforts, two new public spaces were created: "Bilyansky Park" and "School No. 19 Square." During Russia's armed aggression, he swiftly transitioned from volunteer to frontline defender of Donbas.
His active civic stance and dedicated work have been recognized with numerous awards. A special distinction is the Presidential Award of Ukraine "For the Defense of Ukraine."
Andrii Zuiakov deeply identifies with Donbas, its rich history, unique natural, and cultural gems. He states that both today and tomorrow, he will continue to work for its preservation and restoration, remaining steadfast in his devotion to his native land.