A Local Hero’s Recognition for Valor Amid Russia’s Invasion
DROHOSYCH, Ukraine — In a testament to the unyielding spirit of Ukraine’s defenders, Ihor Zakharchuk, a native of this historic western Ukrainian town and commander of the Sambir Battalion of the Territorial Defense Forces, has been awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, third degree. The honor, announced on social media by local official Stepan Kulyniak, celebrates Zakharchuk’s extraordinary courage and dedication in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression, as reported by DROBRO.
Award for Unwavering Commitment
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, named after the 17th-century Cossack leader who fought for Ukrainian sovereignty, is one of Ukraine’s highest military honors, established in 1995 to recognize exceptional service in defense of the nation. The third degree, while the entry level of the three-tier award, signifies profound bravery and loyalty—qualities that have defined Zakharchuk’s leadership since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In his Facebook post, Kulyniak praised the accolade as “a high and well-deserved distinction for courage, devotion, and unbreakable resolve in the fight for Ukraine.” He highlighted Zakharchuk’s “strength of spirit and fidelity to the oath,” as well as his readiness “to reclaim what is ours and defend state sovereignty.” The Sambir Battalion, under Zakharchuk’s command, includes many fighters from the local district, underscoring the personal stakes in this regional unit’s contributions to the national effort.
Ігоря Захарчука з Дрогобича нагороджено орденом Богдана Хмельницького III ступеняhttps://t.co/fJVvgcERj5 pic.twitter.com/3YiySKX3gU
— Дрогобич чиНа ❗️ DroBro7/24 (@DroBro10) September 6, 2025
Community Support on the Front Lines
The recognition comes as no surprise to those in Drohobych and surrounding areas, where community backing for the Territorial Defense Forces has been robust. Kulyniak noted that local efforts have repeatedly aided the Sambir Battalion, providing essential transport, ammunition, and other gear, alongside frontline visits. “Supporting our Defenders is our absolute priority,” he emphasized, reflecting a broader wave of civilian involvement that has sustained Ukraine’s resistance.
Such grassroots support has been crucial in a war that has tested the nation’s resilience, with territorial defense units like Zakharchuk’s playing a pivotal role in holding the line against Russian advances. The award not only honors an individual but also amplifies the collective sacrifices of communities like Drohobych, where everyday citizens rally behind their soldiers.
A Symbol of Endurance and Hope
Culminating his message with heartfelt congratulations, Kulyniak wished Zakharchuk “strength, robust Cossack health, unbreakable spirit, and victorious resolve in the battle!” This sentiment echoes the broader Ukrainian narrative of perseverance amid adversity. As the conflict enters its fourth year, awards like this serve as beacons of hope, reminding both soldiers and civilians of the stakes—and the triumphs— in their shared struggle for freedom.
In Drohobych, a town steeped in Ukraine’s cultural heritage, Zakharchuk’s honor reinforces the unbreakable bond between the home front and the battlefield. As one local resident put it anonymously, “It’s not just about one man; it’s about all of us standing together.”
Sources: DROBRO, Stepan Kulyniak’s Facebook