The President awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to two Defenders of the 125th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (posthumously) – Taras Dovhun and Mykola Makarevych.
“Both boys volunteered to defend our native land at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. They died at the hands of Russian invaders in Bakhmut. Eternal Glory to the Heroes!”, says Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy.
As the commander of the 125th brigade, Lieutenant General Artur Horbenko, told, Taras Dovhun was in the brigade from the first days of the war. From June 2022, he performed combat missions in the areas of hostilities. In January 2023, he took part in battles in Bakhmut, Donetsk region.
From January 24, 2023, for several days, soldier Dovgun and his comrades fought shooting battles under devastating and constant artillery, mortar and tank fire. The soldier was mortally wounded on January 26.
“For several days, soldier Dovgun fought a continuous battle with the enemy, using all available weapons, personally destroyed more than 15 opponents. After receiving critical injuries, he provided medical aid to himself and his brother, continued the fight and showed incredible fortitude and heroism,” Artur Gorbenko emphasizes.
Lieutenant Mykola Makarevych joined the ranks of the 125th Brigade in March 2022. From June 2022, he performed combat missions in the areas of hostilities. In January 2023, he took part in battles in Bakhmut, Donetsk region.
During the battle in March, he was in a trench with his comrades, as a result of a mine explosion Mykola Makarevich received multiple shrapnel wounds. Despite his wounds, he provided first aid to his brothers. Died in an evacuation vehicle.