On May 20, 2025, the exhibition space "...beyond the borders of our native land» hosted an event from the "Word of a Witness. Heroes of the War" series – a meeting with Staff Sergeant Maksym Zhyvanov, commander of a separate reconnaissance platoon of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Otaman Kost Hordiienko Motorized Brigade, a veteran of the russian-Ukrainian war and a full recipient of the Order For Courage.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of the War Museum, Yurii Savchuk, noted that war tests not only the strength of an army but also the endurance of the human spirit and will. In response to the brutal, full-scale aggression of the russian federation, Ukraine did not retreat – it united. In this unity, heroes of the war are born, and Maksym Zhyvanov is a vivid representative of them – a soldier hardened by fire, filled with a will to victory, who carries not only a weapon but also the values of the Ukrainian nation fighting for its future.
During the event, Maksym Zhyvanov answered numerous questions from the moderator, Serhii Siryi, Head of the Military History Sector, and guests, including cadets from the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The defender shared stories of his military service before the full-scale russian invasion, spoke about his experience becoming a leader within the non-commissioned officer ranks, and recalled his first combat experience.
"I probably knew from birth that I would be a soldier," Maksym said. "My great-grandfather fought in World War II, my grandmother was a warrant officer, and my father was also in the military. I devoted my life to service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I started as a machine gunner and later commanded a squad and even a company."
At the start of the full-scale war, Maksym Zhyvanov was serving as the commander of a separate reconnaissance platoon in the Luhansk region. In 2022, he sustained a severe injury that changed his life forever.
"We were carrying out a mission, and I was leading the unit to fallback defensive positions, closing the column. I was wounded during a mortar attack," the veteran recalled. "My leg was hit the hardest, and there was a threat of amputation."
After the injury, the defender underwent numerous surgeries and rehabilitation. Throughout this period, he was supported by his wife, Viktoriia. Although they had known each other for a long time, they married only after he suffered an injury.
"The most important thing is not to lose heart. The key is to find an internal motivation and strive for new achievements," the veteran shared about that difficult time.
After his recovery, Maksym wanted to return to service, but the medical commission found him unfit for duty.
Maksym Zhyvanov is one of the few Ukrainians to be awarded all three classes of the Order For Courage. This is a high recognition of his dedication and heroism in defending the homeland.
At the end of the meeting, the veteran donated personal belongings and the launch tube of an RPG-22 anti-tank grenade launcher to the Museum’s collection. These items will be presented in future exhibition projects of our institution.
We are immensely grateful to russian-Ukrainian war veteran Maksym Zhyvanov for defending our homeland and participating in the Museum’s event.
Glory to the Heroes!
