Kateryna "Ptashka" Polischuk receives British bravery award

Paramedic Kateryna "Bird" Polischuk was awarded the Courage Prize by British philanthropist Lord Ashcroft. The award was presented to her as part of the Warsaw Security Forum.

In her speech, Kateryna Polischuk addressed the international community, emphasizing the crimes of the Russian regime, the fate of prisoners, and the threat that Russia poses to all of Europe. The advocate stressed that the war in Ukraine is not only a struggle for its own existence, but also for the future of the entire civilized world.

Polischuk called the award she received not a personal achievement, but "a recognition of the courage and strength of everyone who is fighting against Russian aggression today."

The award ceremony was attended by the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybyga, who praised the resilience of the Ukrainian defender. He stated that "Russia tried to imprison her, but failed. Because 'The Bird' proved to be stronger than Russia. And if she stood firm – Ukraine will also stand firm."

Kateryna Polischuk joined the ranks of volunteer paramedics in the "Hospitalery" battalion in the spring of 2021 year. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, she rescued the wounded in Mariupol, particularly on the territory of the "Azovstal" plant. The young woman gained worldwide recognition after a video from the basements of the besieged factory was released, in which she performed Ukrainian patriotic songs. Later, Polischuk experienced Russian captivity and was released in a prisoner exchange. In 2025 year, the paramedic returned to the front lines and changed her call sign, and in December, it became known that "Bird" had joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.