Dmytro Kovalenko

Dmytro Kovalenko is a Ukrainian naval officer known for his leadership during the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia. As the captain of the large landing ship 'Kostyantyn Olshanskyi', he famously refused to surrender to Russian forces, leading a small contingent of crew members who remained loyal to Ukraine. Kovalenko's actions during this critical period exemplified bravery and commitment in the face of overwhelming odds, as he and his men held out against the invading forces, buying crucial time for the Ukrainian military.