1994–2022
Oleksandr Hrianyk
Azov machine gunner “Hrian”
Wounded in Mariupol, he had a chance to get out of the encirclement and gave his place to a civilian. Oleksandr Hrianyk, call sign Hrian, served six years in Azov, fought in the Kyiv region in 2022, then flew by helicopter to his comrades in Mariupol. He was killed at Azovstal.
Key accomplishments
- Took part in the Euromaidan protests
- Served in the Azov Regiment from 2016: senior machine gunner on the front line near Mariupol, and in the regiment’s press service
- In February–March 2022 fought in a mobile group that destroyed enemy armoured columns in the Kyiv region; took part in freeing Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel
- On 27 March 2022 flew by helicopter into encircled Mariupol in an operation of the Defence Intelligence Directorate; wounded, he gave up his place on an evacuation flight to a civilian
- Order For Courage, 3rd class (posthumously; decree No. 891/2022 of 27 December 2022)
A seat on the helicopter
Did you know that a wounded Azov soldier had a chance to get out of encircled Mariupol, and gave it to someone else? Oleksandr Hrianyk, call sign Hrian, turned down evacuation and asked for a civilian to fly in his place. His reason was simple: he would not leave his guys.
From the stands to the Maidan
Oleksandr was born in Kyiv on 8 January 1994. From 2007 he was part of the Dynamo Kyiv fan movement, and when the Euromaidan protests began, he stood on the Maidan from start to finish. In 2014 he graduated from the Kyiv National Economic University.
Six years in Azov
After university Oleksandr went through Azov’s basic training course, and in 2016 he signed a contract with the regiment. He spent six years in Urzuf near Mariupol as a senior machine gunner on the front line. He also worked in the regiment’s press service, taking photos and making short films. In the winter of 2022 he left the service.
Back in the ranks
On 24 February 2022 Hrian was in Kyiv, and that same day he went back to defend Ukraine. As a machine gunner in a mobile group he helped destroy enemy armoured columns in the Kyiv region and took part in freeing Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel.
Once the threat to the capital had passed, he wanted to join his comrades in Mariupol and was among the first to volunteer. On 27 March, in an operation of the Defence Intelligence Directorate, Oleksandr flew by helicopter into the encircled city. He was wounded there but refused to be evacuated. Oleksandr Hrianyk was killed at the Azovstal plant in Mariupol on 8 May 2022, aged 28. He was posthumously awarded the Order For Courage, 3rd class.
Why it matters today
Twice Oleksandr Hrianyk could have stayed out of it: when he left the service, and when he could have flown out of the encircled city. Both times he chose to be with his own people. The defence of Kyiv and Mariupol rested on choices like this, made by people who could have stepped back and didn’t. His choice reminds everyone that caring for others is the strongest answer to war.
