At a time when Ukraine continues its fight for freedom, dignity, and the right to define its own path, it is essential not only to preserve memory but also to recognize those who are already shaping the country’s future. Under the theme “The Future of Ukraine,” the People of the Year 2025. Volyn Award took place as part of the nationwide program People of the 21st Century.

The event was held in conjunction with the Day of Dignity and Freedom — a date that stands as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and historical consciousness of the Ukrainian people.

A Ceremony Rooted in Remembrance

The evening opened with a moment of silence, the presentation of the State Flag, and the national anthem of Ukraine. It was a moment of collective unity — honoring those who lost their lives in the Russian-Ukrainian war, the victims of the Holodomor, and all who sacrificed for the country.

Symbolic details shaped the atmosphere: memorial candles, wheat motifs in the décor, and a deeply moving performance of “Everything Will Be Ukraine” by Anna Bondarchuk.

A Gathering of Those Who Hold the Country Together

Among the guests was singer SKHOZHA, who traveled from Kyiv to perform her songs “Ne Prodam,” “Ocheret,” and “Momenty.” Her work, centered on the inner essence of the individual, seamlessly aligned with the concept of the event.

A charity auction also took place, with the centerpiece being the painting “Nazbyrala Kolosochkiv,” a work rich in symbolic meaning.

The artwork was acquired by Lesya Paduchak, Director of Audi Center Lviv, for 60,000 UAH. The proceeds were donated to the NGO Lubart Support to fund the purchase of an inclusive vehicle designed for transporting the wounded.

The People Shaping Volyn’s Modern History

The award recipients are individuals who, despite war and uncertainty, continue to work, defend, build, and transform the country.

Representing fields from defense to business, they embody resilience, professionalism, and responsibility.

Award Recipients

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

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

Roman Romanchuk — Hero of the 21st Century (Unbreakable)
A veteran, soldier, and grenadier of the 130th Security Company (Military Unit A0959), as well as an assault trooper of the 35th Marine Brigade, 137th Separate Marine Battalion.

Vasyl Dudik — Hero of the 21st Century (for courage)
Veteran, demining specialist, rehabilitation sector economist

Victoria Andriichuk — Volunteer of the Year
Veteran support specialist, Veteran Hub

Maria Sakharuk — Athlete of the Year
International Master of Sport, Olympian (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), bronze medalist at the 2025 European Team Championships in the 20 km race walk

Anna Bondarchuk — Young Pride of Volyn
Laureate of national and international competitions, winner of Stars of Istria 2025 (Croatia), Vice Miss Miss Lutsk 2025

Anatolii Nykoniuk — Agrarian of the Year
Chairman of the supervisory board, SG LLC “Horodyshche”

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

Maksym Bondarchuk — Industrialist of the Year
CEO, “Nikol”

Yuliia Dekh — Leader in Logistics
Head of “Globus-Trans,” Berry Farm Ukraine

Radmed Health Center Network — Breakthrough of the Year
CEO: Kateryna Radchuk

Yuliia Kanteruk — Lawyer of the Year
Attorney

Vladibrendshop — Brand of the Year
Founder: Olena Ivanytska

Tetiana Maievska — Professional of the Year
Surgeon, dermatologist, cosmetologist, international speaker

Iryna Vakhovych — Architect of a Successful University
Rector, Lutsk National Technical University

Yuliia Malyk — Realtor of the Year
Founder, Malik Real Estate Agency

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

Honorary Guests: Voices of Support

The winners were announced by representatives of business, government, and culture, including Lesya Paduchak, Illia Miretskyi, Nadiia Dembitska, Oleksandr Svyrydenko, Pavlo Bosniuk, Serhii Balytskyi, Yurii Momotenko, Andrii Rypyhovych, Viktor Sheremeta, Vasyl Fedurtso, singer SKHOZHA, Tetiana Yaroshyk, and Olena Bekesha.

Partnership as the Foundation

The award brought together a wide network of partners, including Na Pagorbi, Audi Center Lviv, Boremel Hills, VASH Jewelry, Lyba, Art Buket, Chaika, Veroni Di Marco, Svit Desertiv, Yodanka Pavlivska, Promomaister, Stock PC, Pro.katti, Grace Model House, and others.

The atmosphere was further elevated by performances from illusionist Roma Magician and live sketches by event illustrator Natalia Sliusarevska.

Charity as a Core Mission

Over its ten-year history, the charitable component has become an integral part of the People of the Year Award.

Funds raised have supported children’s treatment, the military, healthcare development, and social initiatives. In 2025, they were directed toward supporting the patronage service of the “Lubart” brigade.

The People Who Define Volyn

Despite every challenge, these individuals continue to work, create, and move the country forward.

They are shaping modern Volyn — and proving that Ukraine’s progress is happening every single day.

Photography by: Olga Shevchuk, Serhii Nazaruk, Liubomyr Mudryk