Serhii Volynskyi
Hero of Ukraine & Commander, Siege of Mariupol
Major Serhii Volynskyi is a decorated Ukrainian Marine Corps officer and former commander of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade. He gained global recognition during the 2022 siege of Mariupol, where he led his brigade in a daring breakout from the Illich steel plant to unite with Azov Regiment forces at Azovstal. As one of the last defenders of Mariupol, his emotional global appeals for humanitarian rescue made headlines. Captured and held as a prisoner of war for four months, he was later released in a prisoner exchange and honored as a Hero of Ukraine by President Zelenskyy. Volynskyi’s leadership, resilience, and moral courage under impossible conditions have made him a national symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Today, he continues to advocate for veterans, freedom, and peace through service, memory, and international dialogue.