Viktor Zalata, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year – 2026” competition in the “Shield of Law and Order” category
A native of the village of Mykilske in the Mariupol District, Viktor Zalata consciously chose the path of a defender back in 2014, when he enlisted as a volunteer in the “Dnipro-1” regiment. He later continued his service with the Mariupol District Police Department.
The police officer was in Mariupol when the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Together with his colleagues, he maintained order, countered looting, assisted in the evacuation of civilians, and exposed sabotage groups. When the city was surrounded, Viktor did not hesitate to stay with his comrades. As part of a combined unit, he held the defense in the Primorsky District, and later, with a weapon in hand, broke through to “Azovstal,” where he carried out combat missions until the very end under extremely difficult conditions.
In May 2022, while carrying out an order to rescue the wounded, Viktor was taken prisoner by the Russians. More than eight months of trials, interrogations, and brutal pressure in Olenivka and Horlivka did not break his will. At the end of January 2023, the defender finally returned home as part of a prisoner exchange.
After undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, Viktor Zalata rejoined the ranks of the National Police of Ukraine. His exceptional courage and loyalty to his oath have been recognized with the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class, and other awards. His story is an example of unbreakable resilience and service to Ukraine.