Leader and Co-founder of the VETERANKA Movement Named Winner of the 2025 “Woman of Ukraine” National Independent Award

Andriana Arekhta has been named the winner of the 2025 Woman of Ukraine National Independent Award in the “Defense of the State” category.

A senior sergeant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons operator in a special forces unit, and leader and co-founder of the VETERANKA movement, Andriana Arekhta continues to prove through her own story that a woman in the military is a symbol of strength, dignity, and an example for us all.

The entire VETERANKA team is immensely proud and grateful for her service and protection.

Due to her active duty, Andriana was unable to attend the award ceremony in person. The award was accepted on her behalf by Kateryna Pryimak — head of the VETERANKA movement, veteran, and Andriana’s comrade-in-arms.

We also extend our warm congratulations to our sisters-in-arms who were nominated in the following categories:

“Defense of the State”:
Charlotte Khmelnytska, Khrystyna Kudriava, Olena Apchel, Oksana Rubaniak, Nataliia Hrabarchuk, and Yuliia Mykytenko.

“Military Medicine”:
Yuliia Sidorova and Viktoriia Kovach.

“Civil Society”:
Yuliia Kirilova and Kateryna Pryimak.

We are proud to stand beside you — strong, worthy, and true.