Former 'Azov' Commander Warns Against Glorifying Evaders Over True Valor.

Concerns Over a Distorted View of Courage

According to TSN.ua: Maksym Zhorin, the former commander of the Azov Regiment, has raised an alarm about a dangerous societal trend: the glorification of draft evaders and provocateurs. He argues that this distracts from the genuine heroism of soldiers risking their lives on the front lines. This debate comes at a time of heightened social tension in Ukraine.

'In a country at war, there can be only one kind of hero. Those who are in the mud, on shattered positions, in freezing cold or scorching heat, at the cost of their own comfort, risking their health and lives to do the hardest job in the world' - Maksym Zhorin.

Recent weeks in Ukraine have seen several attacks on personnel at Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs), highlighting these growing tensions. Specific incidents include:

• On February 7 in Kharkiv, a man stabbed and wounded two TRC servicemen during a document check.
• On February 14 in Odesa, an attack on TRC personnel left one serviceman with a stab wound.
• The most recent case occurred on February 17, when Danylo Kolesnyk struck a TRC employee and posted a video of the incident on Instagram.

These events point to an escalation in conflicts between civilians and military officials. Zhorin stressed that true courage and values are demonstrated on the battlefield, not through acts of aggression or evasion. The strain on Ukrainian society after two years of full-scale war is creating complex moral and social challenges.

Zhorin's statements reflect a profound concern about how heroism is perceived during wartime. The rising friction between civilians and military personnel could have serious consequences for social stability and support for the army's efforts. Emphasizing the importance of authentic courage and military sacrifice aims not only to acknowledge their role but also to encourage society to be more mindful of those who risk their lives daily to defend the country.