Yulia Berezkina - participant of the regional competition "Woman of Donetsk Region" in 2025, nomination "Heart in Armor"
Yulia Berezkina is a woman whose story is awe-inspiring. She was born and raised in Volnovakha, and today serves Ukraine as an officer of the Armed Forces, a lieutenant, deputy company commander for psychological support of personnel. Her military career began in 2020 with a clerical position in the 56th Separate Mariupol Infantry Brigade. But the full-scale invasion changed everything. Yulia saw how hard it was for soldiers without families, how much they needed not only rest but also words of support. It was then that she decided that she would help not only with papers, but also with her heart.
In 2024, she took a course in moral and psychological support at the Military Institute of Kyiv National University, signed a contract and was promoted to officer. Since then, Yulia has become the person who, along with the commander, is responsible not only for military discipline but also for the psychological state of the personnel.
Her colleagues jokingly call Yulia the "company mom". For her soldiers, she becomes an advisor, a friend, and a shoulder to lean on after the most difficult tasks.
Every Sunday she conducts psychological training classes. It is not a dry theory - it is talks, laughter, sometimes tears, and always a feeling that there is a person who understands. "The psyche, like a weapon, needs to be constantly put in order. Otherwise, it won't work," says Yulia.
Her family is at her back. Her military husband, daughter and mother, who are now in western Ukraine. "The hardest thing is to hear from a child: "Mom, when are you coming back?" and not knowing the exact answer." But it is this love that makes a woman even stronger.
Yulia does not like pathos. She is sincerely convinced that even in times of war, people have the right to happiness. "We gave up everything so that you don't have to give up anything. Rejoice, fall in love, celebrate. This is also our strength," she says.
Her story is an example of how a "woman in armor" can be both a strong warrior and a gentle caretaker who cares about others.
Read the detailed story of the contestant at the link https://surli.cc/mpbsvd