They are not from textbooks or movies. They are holding the sky and the earth right now. On February 19, 2026, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War hosted a meeting with the Heroes of Ukraine, dedicated to the anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The event was attended by 226 participants, including cadets from the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies named after the Heroes of Krut, as well as students from the Kyiv Vocational College with Enhanced Military and Physical Training.
Lieutenant Colonel Serhii Roshchyn, Chief of Staff of the Aviation Squadron in the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, shared his combat experience. Thanks to his professionalism, a significant amount of enemy equipment and personnel has been destroyed. He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine on May 8, 2025.
Sergeant Pavlo Romaniuk spoke about battles in the Zaporizhzhia, Lyman, Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Toretsk directions. In August 2024, near the city of Toretsk, he led an assault group and regained control of a strategic position. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to direct the battle and ensured the safe withdrawal of his comrades. He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine on June 27, 2025. Currently, he serves in the 12th Army Corps of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
Junior Sergeant Artem Rezonov, known to his brothers-in-arms as “Rezo,” fought in the Donetsk region, on the left bank of the Kherson region, and in the Pokrovsk direction as part of the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion. He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine on January 14, 2026.
The event featured themed tours, an open discussion in a “free-mic” format, and an opportunity for personal conversation with the Defenders. Visitors received calendars autographed by the Heroes and took commemorative photos together.
A special part of the event included a demonstration of modern equipment and technological solutions used by the Ukrainian military. Participants had the chance to try a small arms operator simulator to better understand the realities of service on the front lines.
In memory of the event, Artem Rezonov presented the Museum with the battle flag of his unit. This meeting served as a space for a living dialogue between those who defend the country and those who will build its future. The courage, personal experience, and responsibility of the defenders are truly inspiring.
