Yuliia Paievska

Yuliia Paievska, born on December nineteenth, nineteen sixty-eight, is a remarkable Ukrainian medic and a symbol of resilience during the Russo-Ukrainian War. She founded the volunteer ambulance corps known as 'Taira's Angels,' which has been credited with saving hundreds of lives, including those of civilians and soldiers from both sides of the conflict. Her journey as a volunteer street medic began during the Euromaidan protests in two thousand thirteen, and she later served as a tactical medicine trainer on the front lines in Donbas from two thousand fourteen to two thousand eighteen.

In two thousand eighteen, Paievska took on the role of head of a military hospital in Mariupol, continuing her service until her demobilization in two thousand twenty. Despite her transition to civilian life, she remained dedicated to her mission as a volunteer medic. Her commitment to documenting her experiences led her to use a body camera during the Siege of Mariupol in early two thousand twenty-two, capturing the harrowing realities of war.

On March sixteenth, two thousand twenty-two, while assisting a wounded civilian, Paievska was captured by Russian soldiers. She endured imprisonment until her release on June seventeenth, two thousand twenty-two. Throughout her captivity, she was featured in Russian propaganda videos, falsely accused of associating with Nazis. Her bravery and sacrifice have been recognized by major media outlets, including the New York Times.

Raised by her grandfather, a decorated Soviet World War II veteran, Paievska's background is as diverse as her talents. Before the war, she was a designer, aikido coach, and president of the Aikido Federation 'Mutokukai-Ukraine.' Despite suffering injuries that required the replacement of both hips, she was poised to represent Ukraine as the only female member of the Invictus Games team in two thousand twenty, competing in archery and swimming. However, her capture prevented her participation, and her daughter competed in her stead, winning a bronze medal in archery.