April 16, 2024
Ukrainian war hero receives tribute in Brazil

Ukrainian war hero receives tribute in Brazil

Vitaly Skakun decorated his life when he blew up a bridge to prevent Russian tanks from advancing

On Saturday (26th) the Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil honored Vitaly Skakun, who was awarded the title of First War Hero by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The 25-year-old was a military engineer in the Ukrainian 35th Rifle Brigade, tasked with defending the Henichesky Bridge over the Dnieper River. The site is the main car crossing from the Crimea to the south of the country.

According to information from the armed forces, on Thursday (24th), the first day of the fighting, he offered to erect explosives in the hull, when the unit was warned about the advancing column of Russian tanks, but did not have time for this. He left before the bombing. This would have given the forces in Kiev time to organize to defend the area.

At the age of 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded the young man the title Hero of Ukraine. This is the greatest decoration that can be made on an individual basis in the state. Less than 500 people have received it so far.