Fallen journalist-soldier Vitalii Derekh awarded Hero of Ukraine title

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the Golden Star to journalist and soldier Vitalii Derekh. The relevant decree 413/2023 was published on the president’s website the other day.

“For the personal courage and heroism shown in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I decree: Award the title of Hero of Ukraine with the award of the Order of the Golden Star to Vitalii Myroslavovych Derekh – junior sergeant (posthumously),” the text reads.

It will be recalled that the defender’s life was cut short on May 28, 2022, near Popasna, Luhansk Region, as a result of an airstrike. The soldier was 34 years old.

Since 2014, Vitalii has been at war. He fought within the Aidar battalion. He was the commander of the anti-tank unit. In 2016, he received the Order For Courage III.

The serviceman was buried on Heroes’ Alley at the Mykulynetske Cemetery in Ternopil.

NUJU Information Service