Three children rescued by the Save Ukraine team from occupied territories have become laureates of the new state award, “The Future of Ukraine”. Their strength, resilience, and courage have become an inspiration for the entire country.
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16-year-old Kyrylo Shavkun, after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, risked his life under shelling to row a boat and save people from flooded homes. The occupiers threatened him and his family, but the boy did not break. He still keeps in touch with those who remained under occupation — he does not abandon them. He persuades them to leave, fights for everyone.
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Kyrylo’s sister, 8-year-old Diana Kostyria, hung Ukrainian flags at home and drew tridents during the occupation. She sang “Chervona Kalyna” loud enough for the whole yard to hear and fearlessly argued with armed occupiers in a store. Diana is a vibrant voice of freedom in the darkness of occupation.
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Before the full-scale invasion, 15-year-old Mark was a fairly successful athlete and dreamed of the Ukrainian boxing championship, but February 2022 changed everything. The occupiers forced him to compete for Russia and win medals for them, threatened to take him away from his grandmother. Despite the fierce pressure, Mark refused and chose Ukraine.
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The “Future of Ukraine” award, which the President of Ukraine presented for the first time this year, honors the courage, indomitability and desire to help young Ukrainians. We are extremely happy that among the first recipients are the children whom we helped to escape from the enemy’s trap. We thank everyone who helped return these children home. We are proud of each of them. This is the true future of Ukraine 🇺🇦.