Posthumous UN Honor Awarded to Ukrainian Peacekeeper: A Hero’s Story.

Commemoration Ceremony for UN Peacekeepers Day

According to UATV: On June 5, 2023, at UN Headquarters in New York, a ceremony was held to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. UN Secretary-General António Guterres posthumously awarded Serhii Prykhodko the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for his exceptional courage. Prykhodko worked as a flight attendant and rescue specialist for the helicopter operator 'Ukrainian Helicopters' and died on March 7, 2025, while serving on a UN mission in South Sudan.

The Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal was established by the UN Security Council in 2014 and has been awarded only three times in history. Notably, no civilian had ever received this honor before. This recognition underscores the vital contributions of civilian personnel to peacekeeping efforts. Aircraft commander Serhii Muzyka and co-pilot Dmytro Teplykh also participated in this mission.

Ukraine’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Since 1992, Ukraine has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations. Over this period, 44,000 Ukrainian citizens have taken part in 36 missions, and 55 Ukrainian peacekeepers have lost their lives. Commenting on this situation, the UN Secretary-General stated:

“No one should die serving the cause of peace.” – António Guterres

Volodymyr Tkachenko, a representative of 'Ukrainian Helicopters', added: 'Our company has been working with UN peacekeeping missions for over 20 years.'

These events once again highlight the critical role peacekeepers play in ensuring global stability and security, while honoring those who have died in service to peace. The award to Serhii Prykhodko stands as a powerful example of recognizing the bravery and dedication of civilians who operate in dangerous environments to foster peace and stability in conflict zones. Ukraine’s involvement in peacekeeping operations reflects the country’s commitment to supporting international peace and security.