Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Unconquered: The Spirit and Valor of the Donetsk Region" Volodymyr Hershun
Volodymyr Hershun is an example of true courage, dedication, and an unbreakable spirit. Born in the picturesque village of Maiaky in the Donetsk region, he was fascinated by animals and football from childhood, which shaped his character—persistent, kind, and devoted to his ideals.
After graduating from Maiaky school in 2015, Volodymyr enrolled at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a master's degree in economics. In 2021, he was drafted into the National Guard of Ukraine. The war that broke out in Ukraine fundamentally changed his life. In 2023, he signed a contract and continued his service in the National Guard of Ukraine, serving as a rifleman, senior rifleman, and assistant machine gunner in the city of Berdiansk. During a combat mission near the settlement of Kopani in the Zaporizhzhia region, he was seriously wounded. On the battlefield, amidst the sounds of shots and explosions, his comrades did not hesitate to come to his aid. Risking their own lives, they carried him off the battlefield, demonstrating the true dedication and brotherhood that are the foundation of military service.
Despite his injury and being granted the status of a person with a disability due to the war, Volodymyr remained faithful to the ideals of defending his Homeland. His heart is filled with a love for life and a desire to help others. He is unmarried but values family—for him, family is a source of strength and inspiration, and his dream is to one day create his own family filled with love and mutual understanding. His passion for fast but safe driving is not just a means of transport, but an opportunity to feel freedom, recharge, and enjoy the landscapes of his native Donetsk region. This hobby is a unique form of relaxation and inspiration during difficult times.
For his courage and heroism demonstrated during his service, he was awarded the Order "For Courage" Third Class. This award is not only a symbol of recognition but also a testament to his unconditional dedication and heroic service to Ukraine.
Now, Volodymyr Hershun continues to serve his country in a different capacity. In early 2025, he was employed by the social protection department of the Sviatohirsk City Council, where he implements state veterans' policy in the community. His main task is to help veterans, their families, the families of fallen Defenders, active-duty soldiers, and demobilized personnel. They communicate and understand each other differently because they have been through the difficult trials of war. His compassion, understanding, and desire to support those in need make him a true protector and pillar of support for many.
Volodymyr was not broken by the weight of his trials. His life is a story of struggle, unyielding hope, and victory.