The Ukrainian Marine Who Blew Up a Bridge—And Himself—to Halt Russian Advance in 2022

Vitaliy Skakun, a Ukrainian Marine combat engineer, played a crucial role in the early hours of Russia’s full-scale invasion by destroying the Henichesk Bridge in southern Ukraine.

According to ArmyInform, his actions slowed the Russian advance from Crimea, allowing Ukrainian forces to strengthen their defenses. Skakun was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine for his “outstanding personal bravery and heroism.”

On February 24, 2022, as Russian forces launched their offensive, Skakun and his engineering unit were tasked with mining key infrastructure. The Henichesk Bridge was a critical route for Russian armored columns moving north.

When an attempt to remotely detonate the explosives failed, Skakun volunteered to manually trigger the detonation. According to report, he informed his unit of his decision, stating, “Retreat, I will blow up the bridge along with myself.” Moments later, the explosion destroyed the structure, significantly delaying the Russian forces.

Born in 1996 in Berezhany, western Ukraine, Skakun trained as a welder before joining the Ukrainian Marines in 2019. He served in the 35th Marine Brigade and became a combat engineer.

During his service, he participated in multiple rotations in eastern Ukraine. His expertise in engineering and demolitions was crucial in defensive operations before the full-scale invasion.

Skakun’s actions gained national and international recognition. On February 26, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded him the title Hero of Ukraine. His name has since been honored in various ways, including the renaming of streets in Kyiv and Mukachevo.

In Prague, a bridge has been named after him. His legacy remains a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance in the early days of the invasion.