Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Unconquered: The Spirit and Valor of the Donetsk Region" Mykyta Hebesh
Mykyta Hebesh was born in 1999 in the city of Avdiivka. After graduating from Avdiivka Secondary School #3, he studied at Avdiivka Vocational and Technical School #43 and earned the specialty "assistant machinist." From 2017, he worked in his specialty at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant.
From his school years, he was passionate about football, so he actively participated in sports competitions during his studies and work at the plant. He took part in district and regional competitions, repeatedly receiving awards and commendations for his athletic achievements.
The war came to his city in 2014. He witnessed the occupation of Avdiivka, and then its liberation by Ukrainian soldiers. It was very painful to watch as constant shelling by the occupiers destroyed the city's infrastructure, residential areas, and caused disruptions to water supply, electricity, heating, and gas. He could not stand by and simply watch. So, in 2019, he began his initial mandatory military service, and in 2020, he signed a contract to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia.
In February 2022, when Russian forces launched their massive offensive on Ukraine, he, as part of a unit of the National Guard of Ukraine, took up the defense of the strategically important city of Mariupol. Together with his comrades, he held positions for over 80 days at the Azovstal metallurgical plant, which became a symbol of the resilience and indomitability of the Ukrainian people.
From February 24 to May 19, 2022, he performed combat missions, during which he was wounded multiple times. But the most terrifying thing was seeing people die before his eyes—both civilians and his comrades. On May 19, 2022, following the commander-in-chief's order to withdraw from Azovstal, he and his comrades were taken prisoner and transported by representatives of the aggressor country to temporarily occupied territory.
Every day in captivity was a struggle with himself and with the feelings that overwhelmed his soul. Over time, sadness came from losing contact with his family and comrades, from the feeling that he could no longer influence his own fate. He was moved several times to different colonies. He endured endless interrogations, physical abuse, and psychological pressure. But despite this, deep down, even in the darkest moments, he tried not to lose a small spark of hope. The hope that one day this nightmare would end and he would return home. And that day came. On February 8, 2024, he was part of a prisoner exchange. A paddy wagon, a transport plane, a bus... and he was standing on his native land again, next to his comrades. It was not just joy, but a feeling that they had endured and survived these trials. Fate gave them the opportunity to hug their families again.
After spending some time in a rehabilitation center, he returned to military service in his unit. He underwent training in Great Britain. He has been awarded the President of Ukraine's commendation "For the Defense of Ukraine" and the Order "For Courage" 3rd class.
Despite all the trials and traumas, he understands that they will remain with him forever. They are a part of his story, a part of the path he has walked without losing faith, remaining true to his convictions. This is what gives him the strength to move forward.