Oleksandr Matsievskyi

Oleksandr Matsievskyi was a Ukrainian soldier of Moldovan origin who fought in the Bakhmut area during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He became widely known after a video emerged in March 2023 showing him as an unarmed prisoner being executed by Russian soldiers after calmly saying “Slava Ukraini” (“Glory to Ukraine”). His final words and composure turned him into a symbol of defiance and courage.

He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.