A year has passed since the death of Ukraine’s defender Orest Hibliak, call sign “Wolverine”, a native of the village of Boyanets. He was born on 8 February 1975 and spent his childhood and youth in his home village, where his character and love for his Homeland were formed.
After finishing his studies, Orest worked in construction and for some time lived and worked in Germany. However, with the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he decided to return home. In the very first week of the war, Hibliak came back to Ukraine to stand in defence of his native land.
On 8 March 2022, Orest Hibliak voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush, carrying out combat missions in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. His comrades-in-arms knew him as an enduring, courageous and reliable warrior, “Wolverine”.
He took part in complex combat operations, and distinguished himself in particular during the capture of an enemy tank. For his courage, professionalism and conscientious service, Orest was commended by the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade and awarded the distinctions “Ranger’s Cross” 2nd and 3rd Class.
For a long time, Orest Hibliak was listed as missing in action. Later, on the basis of DNA analysis, it was confirmed that on 11 November 2025 he had been killed while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Novooleksandrivka in Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region.
For his personal courage, loyalty to Ukraine and selfless service to the Ukrainian people, Orest Hibliak was posthumously awarded the honorary title “Hero of the Velyki Mosty Territorial Community”. His heroism has become an example of resilience and dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, comrades-in-arms and the entire community.