Participant in the regional contest “Young Person of the Year – 2026” in the “Power of Management Decisions” category: Andriy Zuyakov
Andriy Zuyakov is an ecologist, scientist, administrator, and civic activist who has dedicated his professional career to preserving the natural heritage of the Donetsk region and to the region’s development. After earning a degree in Ecology, he worked in the field of environmental protection, helped launch civic environmental initiatives, and co-authored scientific publications and projects aimed at developing the region’s nature reserve system.
With the outbreak of full-scale war, Andriy co-founded the NGO “Kramatorsk Volunteer Association,” organizing civilian evacuations, delivering humanitarian aid, and constructing defensive structures. As a fighter in the local community’s volunteer units, he carried out missions to defend Kramatorsk and the Kramatorsk district.
In 2024–2025, he coordinated the logistical support for the construction of fortifications in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhiv sectors, ensuring cooperation among communities, businesses, the State Emergency Service, the regional military administration, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also organized the relocation of the material and technical infrastructure of the regional landscape parks in Donetsk Oblast, thereby preserving important resources for the environmental protection sector.
After completing the “Leadership for the Reconstruction of Donetsk Oblast” program in 2025, he was appointed acting director of the “Kramatorsk” Regional Landscape Park. His professional work has been recognized with letters of appreciation from regional military administrations and the President of Ukraine’s “For the Defense of Ukraine” award.
Andriy Zuyakov is an example of a modern leader who effectively combines managerial decisions, civic engagement, volunteerism, and service to Ukraine even under the most challenging conditions of wartime.