At a time when Ukraine continues its fight for freedom, dignity, and the right to define its own path, the country is not only honoring its past — it is celebrating the people building its future. Under the symbolic theme “The Future of Ukraine,” the People of the Year–2025. Volyn Awards took place as part of the nationwide program People of the 21st Century.

The event was dedicated to the Day of Dignity and Freedom — one of the most meaningful dates on the national calendar, a reminder that Ukraine’s strength, courage, and collective memory cannot be broken by any generation of adversity.

A Ceremony Rooted in Memory

The official ceremony opened with a moment of silence, the presentation of the national flag, and the performance of the Ukrainian anthem — a solemn pause shared by the entire hall to honor those killed in the Russian–Ukrainian war, the victims of the Holodomor, and all who gave their lives for the country’s freedom.

The patriotic spirit was embedded in every detail: remembrance candles, symbolic wheat ears on the artwork and the celebratory cake, and a stirring performance of “Everything Will Be Ukraine” by singer Anna Bondarchuk.

Honoring Those Who Hold the Country Together

The evening welcomed special guest SXOZHA, a Kyiv-based singer whose performances — “Ne Prodam,” “Ocheret,” “Momenty” — resonated deeply with the evening’s themes of human essence and cosmic belonging.

A charity auction followed. The featured artwork, “Gathered the Wheat Stalks,” became a symbolic link to historical memory. It was acquired by Lesia Paduchak, Director of AUDI Center Lviv, for 60,000 UAH, with proceeds directed to Lyubart Support, a nonprofit raising funds for an inclusive vehicle to transport wounded soldiers.

The People Reshaping Volyn — and Ukraine

This year’s laureates are individuals who continue to serve, build, defend, innovate, and inspire despite uncertainty and war.
They are the heroes of the 21st century — soldiers, volunteers, academics, athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders whose work strengthens both the region and the country.

Award Recipients

Vadym Krykun — Hero of the 21st Century (Valor) Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of the 20th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Lyubart”

Ihor Pavliak — Hero of the 21st Century (Unbroken) Junior Lieutenant, Reconnaissance Platoon Commander, 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade

Roman Romanchuk — Hero of the 21st Century (Indomitable) Veteran; Grenadier, 130th Security Company; Assault Marine, 35th Brigade

Vasyl Dudik — Hero of the 21st Century (Courage) Veteran; Senior Demining Specialist, State Transport Special Service; Economist in Rehabilitation Services Monitoring

Volunteer of the Year — Viktoriia Andriichuk Veterans’ Support Specialist, “Veteran Hub”

Athlete of the Year — Maria Sakharuk International Master of Sports of Ukraine; two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024); medalist of world and European competitions

Youth Pride of Volyn — Anna Bondarchuk Laureate of national and international competitions, Vice Miss Lutsk 2025

University Architect — Iryna Vakhovych Doctor of Economics, Professor, Rector of Lutsk National Technical University

Agrarian of the Year — Anatolii Nykoniuk Honored Agricultural Worker of Ukraine; civic leader of the Lutsk district

Financier of the Year — Olena Parkhomei CEO, “Intelekt-Center”

Industrialist of the Year — Maksym Bondarchuk General Director, “Nikol”

Logistics Leader — Yuliia Dekh CEO of “Globus-Trans” and head of “Berry Farm Ukraine”

Breakthrough of the Year — Radmed Health Centers CEO: Kateryna Radchuk

Lawyer of the Year — Yuliia Kanteruk Attorney

Brand of the Year — Vladibrendshop Founder: Olena Ivanytska

Professional of the Year — Tetiana Maievska MD, surgeon, dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, lecturer, speaker, trainer

Realtor of the Year — Yuliia Malyk Founder of “Malyk” Realty

Businesswoman of the Year — Tetiana Yurchuk-Sulimovska Founder of Olegivna Dent, owner of Kings Barbershop

Distinguished Guests — Voices of Support

Names of the laureates were announced by leaders whose work shapes the region’s future — entrepreneurs, cultural figures, military representatives, and public officials. Among them:

Lesia Paduchak (Audi Center Lviv), Illia Miretskyi (VGP/Ruta), Nadiia Dembitska (Na Pagorbi), Colonel Oleksandr Svyrydenko (Association of Special Operations Forces Veterans), Pavlo Bosniuk (Military Lyceum), Serhii Balytskyi (“Hearts of Patriots”), Yurii Momotenko (Volyn Customs Service), Andrii Rypyhovych (Audi Lviv), Viktor Sheremeta (“Your Jeweler”), Vasyl Fedurtsо (Patrol Police), singer SXOZHA, Tatiana Yaroshyk (Spivanochka Show), Olena Bekesha (People UA).

Partnership That Builds the Event

The award brought together leading partners:
Na Pagorbi, Audi Center Lviv, Boremel Hills, VASH Jewelry, Lyba, Art Buket, Chaika, Veroni Di Marco, World of Desserts, Yodanka Pavlivska, Promomaster, Stock PC, Pro.katti, Grace Model House, among others.

The evening featured a performance by renowned Ukrainian illusionist Roma Magician and live sketch artistry by illustrator Nataliia Sliusarevska.

Charity as a Core Value

Since its founding, the People of the Year Awards have upheld a clear charitable mission. Over the past decade, funds have supported treatment for children with cancer, wounded soldiers, medical development, and children’s shelters.
In 2025, proceeds were donated to the Lyubart Brigade’s patronage service.

The People Who Shape Volyn

Despite the war, these individuals continue to work, build, inspire, and create — for their region, for their country, for the future.
They are Ukraine’s daily victory.

 Photography: Olha Shevchuk, Serhii Nazaruk, Liubomyr Mudryk