Mykhailo, originally from the Lviv region, returned to Ukraine after several years of working abroad to serve in the State Border Guard Service and stand in defence of the country.
In 2015 he finished school, and in 2018 he graduated from a branch of the Uhniv Agrarian and Construction Vocational Lyceum. After his studies, he spent some time working abroad in the construction sector. In December 2019, Mykhailo returned to Ukraine and decided to dedicate his life to military service.
The following year he signed a contract with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. At first, he served for four months with the Nismychi Border Guard Service Department. Later he continued his service with the Belz Border Guard Inspectors Department, where he worked as a district inspector until 2024.
In October 2024, as part of the Shkval Rapid Response Border Commandant’s Office, Mykhailo set off on a combat rotation. It lasted eight months, 115 days of which the serviceman spent directly on the front-line positions.
According to him, supplying the unit was difficult: some of the food was delivered by drones, while water for the positions had to be organised separately, so the soldiers even dug their own well. Over time, the activity of enemy drones increased, and conditions of service became tougher. After attacks, the border guards had to repair damaged shelters, reinforce their positions and look for ways to make them safer.
Mykhailo stresses that in combat conditions it is extremely important to heed the advice of more experienced soldiers, as their knowledge can save lives. Trust between comrades-in-arms, mutual assistance and supporting one another also play a major role.
“We must trust one another and always be ready to help. When you spend a long time on the positions under constant threat, the support of your comrades becomes the pillar that helps you endure the most difficult moments,” the serviceman says.
After completing the combat rotation in 2025, Mykhailo returned to the Belz Border Guard Inspectors Department. He notes that his main motivation remains his family: in fulfilling his duty, he is above all protecting his loved ones.
In his free time, the border guard enjoys travelling, riding his motorbike and spending time with his relatives. More about his service and life journey is told in a video feature dedicated to the serviceman of the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment.