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Welcome to the series #EVERYDAYHEROES in which we introduce exceptional members of our network. Through pop culture, we discovered that heroes fly, have superpowers, come from another planet, and wear capes and costumes, but there are other, real heroes. Heroes we are surrounded by every day, who raise their voices in times of injustice and fight for the rights of all of us. Who look the same as us, who express their superpower by fighting every day for a better and democratic society. Everyday heroes, that we have to talk about. Follow us on our Instagram to catch the next interview among the first ones.
Another Everyday Hero is Serhiy Ikonnikov from Ukraine.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Serhiy Ikonnikov, I’m an Ambassador from EDYN Ukraine. I was born in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. For the last few years, I worked in the political party and did some civic activities as well but with the start of the Russian unprovoked full-scale military aggression against my country on 24 February 2022 I joined the army and right now continue to serve in the frontline of the war as a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There is not much free time when you’re fighting a war being constantly shelled by artillery, tanks, planes, or helicopters and at the same time preventing the enemy’s infantry from taking our positions and saving your friends from death. I was wounded as well but got lucky that there were only a few scratches as well as a small piece of metal in my arm which I managed to remove by myself. The only free time that you are allowed here is for sleep. As long as you have such an opportunity…
What do you consider your biggest success?
My biggest success was not cracking under pressure when there were first assaults on our position. I didn’t have previous fighting experience but I managed to do my job and take control of the situation as one of the commanders of the unit (I was appointed as a Sergeant major of the platoon a few weeks prior). From that moment on we showed our strength and skills in the fight although our losses were relatively small but very painful nonetheless…
What does the word DEMOCRACY mean to you?
For me, DEMOCRACY stands for the right of being what you want to be and respecting that right of every single person as long as it doesn’t break the law. That is the exact thing that we are fighting for because the enemy tries to take it from us.
Who do you consider your Everyday Hero and why?
My Everyday Hero is every single Ukrainian who does their part in fighting the war on the military frontline as well as volunteering and helping our cause in any way they can. Our guys and girls here would not have survived without the support from the civilians back home.
What does the concept of Everyday Hero mean to you?
This concept means acknowledging your part in society as a person who wants to do your best for the greater good of your friends, your city, or your country. You accept the pain of working with different people who have different views and needs but you still try your hardest for them because you choose to help them.
Why did you become a member of EDYN?
I joined EDYN because it was a logical continuation of the work I did in Ukraine as a part of the civic and political movement. EDYN was about helping my country and people on the international level and using it as a platform to share our successes as well as seek support for our cause. I continue to do so now…
