Podolianchuk Yevhenii P (Zheka)

In 2012, he graduated from the Hetman Petro Sahaidachny National Academy of Ground Forces with honors and a gold medal, specializing in "Management of the Actions of Military Intelligence and Special Forces Units." Yury Butusov: "A year ago… On September 14, in a battle at Donetsk airport, the commander of the 3rd Special Forces Regiment, Senior Lieutenant Yevheniy Podolyanchuk, fell as a hero. He will forever remain 23 years old. One of the most daring and competent commanders of special forces groups. There are few like him — who follow orders, know how to 'go to the points,' who engage in battle themselves rather than 'ducking,' who think independently and critically. How many such were in the army across the country — 30, 40? A great burden fell on the shoulders of these young lieutenants and captains, and many of them gave their lives to protect the Motherland. Podolyanchuk fought at the airport, starting from the first battle on May 26, 2014. And he fought professionally. On September 14, the commander of the defense of Donetsk airport, Colonel Redut, had only 12 regular special forces soldiers — they were the backbone of the defense. Zhenya was one of those who engaged in active combat. He worked in his specialty — constantly going on reconnaissance, particularly in the suburbs of Donetsk, to set up mine barriers. He was everywhere, at every hot spot. He was at all positions along the entire perimeter of our defense. On September 14, there was a battle at the 'Yenot' position. Zhenya went out to provide assistance — to lay mines on the likely routes of enemy tanks. He could have not gone, of course, but he knew that there was a tank from the 93rd Mechanized Brigade of Adam — Major Yevhen Mezevikin, 10 fighters from the 'Right Sector,' and a platoon of mobilized infantry, of which no more than 5 were fighters, while the others had not yet become soldiers and did not understand how to behave in combat conditions. Zhenya was the last reserve, a reserve who went into battle himself to help his comrades in a difficult situation. 'Yenot' repelled another attack, and a new massive artillery bombardment began. Our forces started to retreat from the burning building, and this retreat was covered by Senior Lieutenant Podolyanchuk. A blast… One of the fragments hit Zhenya — he died during evacuation. Eternal memory to a worthy warrior and citizen! Zhenya's friends made a wonderful film about the warrior for the anniversary of his death — I highly recommend it for viewing… Here is a fragment from Yevheniy Podolyanchuk's last interview…". Valeriy Havrylenko: "I had the great honor of knowing Zhenya personally. As an officer, I saw in him an elite special forces officer — the future of Ukraine. As a member of the National Scout Organization 'Plast,' Zhenya was a patient and sincere educator, a good methodologist-instructor, which, unfortunately, the self-absorbed Plast leadership did not see… Zhenya was a true Ukrainian of the 21st century… 2013… here he is at the 45th second of the video. Zhenya spends his vacation playing games and educating children from Cherkasy… Spring Festival 2013." Serhiy Kalyna: "I had the honor of being next to Yevheniy in battle that day… Eternal memory! There were not 5 'Right Sector' fighters, but twice as many. The battle started at 11:00 and lasted until 19:00. We left 'Yenot' when the second floor was completely on fire. At that moment, Adam really saved us. Otherwise, we would not have been able to leave the building and would have all burned or had to exit under heavy fire. The group of special forces soldiers led by Zhenya showed a high level of professionalism and true courage! When we returned to the terminal, we learned that Yevhen had died. Glory to the Hero!". Andriy Zelinsky: "In the village of Krutky in Cherkasy region, it is quiet and peaceful. It is here, among the green fields and forests, far from the sprawling highways and urban noise, from the sterile hustle and the brutal battles of unquenchable ambitions, that lies the grave of young officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yevheniy Podolyanchuk. I have wanted to come here for so long! Finally… When you stand under the neatly lined pines in front of Zhenya's grave, you seem to enter another dimension of reality — more genuine, deeper, which requires you to align your entire life with this sacred authenticity. Zhenya's gaze is something I remember very well from his first year at the military academy. It was impossible not to notice him: sincere, deep, bright — just like his soul. His mother recalls that it was hard for her to imagine her good Zhenya at war, while his subordinates say that there was and will be no better commander. A man of adventure, movement, energy, courage, will, character. A Plastun. The heart and mind of the military collective. A great lover of life, a faithful son of his people, a true officer! His wisdom and resourcefulness saved more than one life at Donetsk airport. The young commander just did not manage to save himself… He cared for his own and knew how to do it. He went first, rested last, loved what he did, and inspired those who followed him, not seeking noisy recognition, but calmly and confidently doing what needed to be done. He said what he thought and did not allow his actions to diverge from his words. Genuine! At 23… Standing before Zhenya's grave is like going to confession: next to the genuine, you always want to be genuine! When I return from the graves of Zhenya, Roma, and Maksym, I know exactly why I have to live on. I really want to belong to the team of the genuine, to those who are faithful to the end! With them, I always feel at home…".