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Ukraine’s Azov Brigade Medic Named Europe’s Best Combat Medic of 2025
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Volodymyr Ryzhenko, call sign "Sprite," a combat medic with the 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" of the National Guard of Ukraine, has been named Europe’s Best Combat Medic of the Year.
The announcement was made by the Azov 1st Corps on August 1 following the Combat Medical Care Conference 2025—the largest military medicine forum in Europe—held in Germany. Co-organized by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), the event brought together over 1,400 experts from 44 countries.
A team of Azov medics took part in the conference, sharing their front-line experience with the international community. Senior Lieutenant Serhii Rotchuk, call sign "Jedi," presented innovative battlefield medical logistics. Combat medic Olha Tahirova, call sign "Krava," spoke about the challenges of providing care beyond the "golden hour" and the brigade’s ongoing efforts in training personnel.
According to the statement, Ryzhenko received top honors in the "Military Medicine" category for a remarkable rescue operation in winter 2025. In extreme conditions, he saved a wounded comrade’s life by performing a blood transfusion using donor blood dropped by drone—a procedure rarely seen in combat environments.
Along with the award, Sprite received a ceremonial sword—symbolizing strength, honor, and courage.
Earlier, Colonel Oleksii Mes of the Ukrainian Air Force, who was killed during a combat mission on August 26, 2024, was posthumously honored with the title of Hero of Ukraine and awarded the Order of the Golden Star.
