12 June 2025

In Memory of the Fallen Hero: Serhii Shablyk (Callsign “Krym”)

On 22 May 2024, near the city of Vovchansk in Kharkiv region, Police Corporal Serhii Hennadiiovych Shablyk was killed in action while carrying out a combat mission. A native of Crimea and a soldier of the Tsunami assault regiment of the United Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine, Lyut, Serhii served in the 2nd platoon of the 2nd company of the 2nd battalion, 3rd regiment of Special Police Unit No. 2. His call sign was “Krym” (Crimea). 

At the start of the full-scale invasion, Serhii was outside Ukraine, but returned without hesitation to defend his country. Originally from the village of Krymska Roza in Bilohirsk district, he left the occupied peninsula with his family back in 2014, unwilling to live under a foreign flag. His two children were born in Crimea, while his parents — who remained — were repeatedly harassed by pro-Russian locals. His mother was assaulted by occupying forces and had to be hospitalized due to her injuries.

On May 22, 2024, while holding an assault position near Vovchansk, Serhii learned on the radio communicator that his unit was surrounded. The commander said the situation was critical, and there was almost no chance of escape. Without hesitation, Serhii went to his comrades to help them break out. He deliberately drew the enemy’s fire on himself, giving others a chance at the cost of his own life.

By Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 559/2022 of August 5, 2022, he was awarded the Presidential Award “For the Defense of Ukraine” (posthumously) and the Order “For Courage” of the III degree (posthumously) by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 890/2024 of December 31, 2024. 

Serhii was not only a brave warrior, but also a loving father, husband, and sincere friend. Skilled in many trades, full of life, and deeply reliable — his comrades remember him as a man of honour, always “on duty,” a source of strength and belief in victory. His smile, resilience, and unbreakable will inspired all around him.

Serhii believed in the liberation of Ukraine and his native Crimea — a belief he held until his final breath.

Glory to the hero. Eternal memory.