Vitaliy Hyrenko

Vitaliy Hyrenko is a soldier of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, who gained recognition as one of the defenders of Snake Island during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He recently made headlines upon his return to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange on July 23, marking a significant moment as he was the last defender of Snake Island to be released from Russian captivity. His return is part of a broader effort to bring home Ukrainian soldiers who had been held captive, including those who suffered from severe injuries and illnesses during their time in captivity.