b. c. 1990
Roman Hrybov
Border guard, call sign "Wolf"
On 24 February 2022, border guard Roman Hrybov responded to a Russian ultimatum on Snake Island with four iconic words that became a global symbol of Ukrainian resistance. He spent a month in captivity before release, then learned of his worldwide fame.
Key accomplishments
- Border guard with Ukraine's State Border Guard Service
- One of 13 defenders of Snake Island during the assault of 24 February 2022
- Made the defiant response to a Russian warship ultimatum with his legendary phrase
- Held in Russian captivity from 24 February to 24 March 2022
- Awarded the honor “For Services to Cherkasy Region” by the head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration on 29 March 2022
Four words heard worldwide
On 24 February 2022, the invasion reached Ukraine’s shores. On Snake Island in the Black Sea stood 13 Ukrainian border guards, among them a 32-year-old named Roman Hrybov from Zolotonosha in Cherkasy region. When a Russian warship demanded the garrison surrender, one man picked up the radio.
“Russian warship, go fuck yourself,” came the reply.
At that moment, nobody knew whether the defenders would live. At that moment, nobody knew the name of the man who had spoken.
One month in enemy hands
At first it seemed all 13 island defenders were dead. President Zelensky announced he would award them Hero of Ukraine medals posthumously. But on 28 February the Ukrainian Navy posted: they were alive. The Russians had taken them prisoner.
Roman Hrybov spent a month in Russian captivity—24 February to 24 March 2022. He was moved three times: first to Crimea, then to tent camps and detention facilities. “We were treated worse than dogs,” he said later. “They put us in prisoner uniforms, applied psychological pressure. They didn’t care if you were military, a woman, or a priest.” His captors inflicted both psychological and physical torture, falsely claiming Russian forces had already taken Kyiv to break his spirit.
This account changes how we understand the phrase. Hrybov doesn’t remember clearly when he said it. And here was the crucial part: he didn’t even know anyone was looking for him. “They didn’t know who said it,” he explained. “That was good, because I don’t think I would have come home otherwise.”
Recognition and return
On 24 March 2022 Hrybov was exchanged. He came home. The real shock came next: he learned he had become world-famous only when the person organizing his release told him.
On 29 March 2022, the head of Cherkasy region’s military administration Ihor Taburets presented Hrybov with the honor “For Services to Cherkasy Region.”
Why it matters
His four words became a rallying cry for resistance around the world—they appeared on billboards, were repeated at protests, and rang out as a message to those who thought Ukraine would fall in days. Hrybov’s story shows that heroism isn’t always about remembering everything you did. Sometimes it’s just about speaking up when it matters most.
