Participant of the regional competition “Young Person of the Year - 2025” in the nomination “Rescuer of the Year” Mykyta NEDILKO
Captain Mykyta Nedilko, a 33-year-old resident of Bakhmut, started his career in the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in 2016 as a firefighter and rescuer. Since then, step by step, Mykyta has risen to the position of senior assistant to the duty shift of the Operational Coordination Center of the Main Directorate, where his daily work is a constant struggle for life.
Captain Nedilko's real baptism of fire was during the anti-terrorist operation. From December 2016 to April 2018, he was directly involved in supporting the ATO, defending the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In the Donetsk region, where hostilities were a daily reality, Mykyta repeatedly eliminated emergencies caused by shelling by illegal armed groups.
Since the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine, Donetsk region has become one of the hottest spots. It is here that Captain Nedelko Mykyta goes almost every day to extinguish fires of varying complexity, conducts rescue and other emergency work, eliminating the consequences of intense rocket, air and artillery shelling.
Bakhmut and the Bakhmut district have a special place in his record. In the epicenter of continuous attacks, Captain Nedilko was repeatedly in charge of firefighting and emergency response. Under his direct supervision and with his personal involvement, more than 200 rescue missions were carried out. Thanks to his correct, balanced decisions and courageous actions, rescuers were able to extinguish fires in the shortest possible time, unblock people from the rubble and promptly provide first aid.
His heroism and selfless work did not go unnoticed. His courage and professionalism were recognized with a number of important state awards. Among them are awards from the President of Ukraine, including the “For Defense of Ukraine” and the “Defender of the Fatherland” medal, which recognizes his direct involvement in protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Also, his dedication to duty and unbreakable spirit during his participation in the Joint Forces Operation was recognized with the medal "JFO. For Valor and Loyalty" medal. For his personal courage and determination during the elimination of the consequences of emergencies, he received a Certificate of Honor from the State Service of Ukraine and a badge “For Courage in an Emergency”.
The stories of rescue in wartime attracted the attention of both Ukrainian and international media. Leading Ukrainian publications have repeatedly written about Mykyta, covering his work in the hot spots of Donetsk region. The journalists talked about the complexity of the operations, the risks faced by the rescuers on a daily basis, and the incredible will to live demonstrated by Captain Nedilko and his team.
In addition, foreign journalists have repeatedly filmed video interviews in an effort to tell the world the truth about the consequences of Russian aggression and the heroism of Ukrainian rescue services. These interviews have been broadcast abroad, allowing international audiences to see the realities of war through the eyes of someone who fights for his life under fire every day.
People like Captain Nedilko are the backbone of Ukraine, allowing it to survive and save lives even in times of war.