Svetlana, a combat medic from the 128th brigade, displayed remarkable bravery in saving her comrades during battle.

Upon noticing the threat, she swiftly grabbed a grenade launcher and eliminated a group of the enemy. This was confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on May 12.

Before the war, Svetlana worked as a nurse in a hospital in Dnipro, but when the invasion began in 2022, she decided to join the Territorial Defense Forces.

She underwent intensive training at military training grounds, learning to handle various types of weapons, including grenade launchers. However, as she points out, actual combat is something entirely different.

During the attack by Russian paratroopers, Svetlana was at the company’s stronghold. At a critical moment, when the unit was left without a commander, she took charge.

The stronghold was located amidst ruins. Initially, Svetlana and her comrades held their ground, but when it became clear that they were surrounded, she did not hesitate to engage in battle.

“I told the guys to hold their positions and not to leave, or we would be captured. Then I grabbed the grenade launcher and went straight for the enemy. They were too close, just two houses away. I flanked them and shot through the window,” she recalls.

Thanks to her courageous actions, the enemy's plan to encircle the position failed, and the attack was repelled. This became a turning point, allowing the unit to safely withdraw.

“They told me: ‘You’ve lost your mind!’ But what else could I do?” Svetlana says.

Recently, she was awarded the Cross of the Ground Forces for her bravery.

“It was unexpected for me, as I already have several awards. I know people who have been nominated but haven’t received anything,” she adds.

Svetlana lost her son, who was also a volunteer. She continues to save the lives of her comrades and serves in the combat zone in Zaporizhzhia.