Maksym Shelepets: from reconnaissance in the 128th Brigade to the development of the UzhNU Veterans Center

February 24 marked the beginning of a new stage in Ukraine's centuries-long struggle for statehood and independence. Among those who, from the very first hours of the large-scale war waged by Muscovites against Ukraine, changed their civilian clothes for military fatigues was Maksym Shelepets, then head of the claims and litigation department at UzhNU.

His path as a defender began in 2014 in the reconnaissance unit of the legendary 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of Zakarpattia, and his decade of hardened experience became the foundation for a new mission. Today, after demobilization, he is back at the university, but in a different role.

– How did the war begin for you? What motivated you to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

– It all started back in 2014. After Ilovaisk, when russia sent regular troops into the territory of sovereign Ukraine, it became clear that we were fighting a full-fledged army of the aggressor. With my experience in tourism, I understood that my skills would be useful, so I went to the military registration and enlistment office. That's how I ended up in the reconnaissance unit of the 128th Brigade. I went through Debaltseve and Stanytsia Luhanska. My motivation was simple — civic duty. My skills in navigating the terrain and working with maps became crucial for my work in reconnaissance.

— What was the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022 like for you?

— On the first day of the full-scale invasion, I was at the military registration and enlistment office, and the next day I was already in the unit. On February 28, I had my first battle in the Zaporizhzhia direction. I was wounded in the 128th Brigade, after which I was assigned a third disability group. Despite this, I continued to fight for another seven months. I spent the last six months of my service in the “Ptakhu Madiara” unit. It was for my combat merits in this unit that I was awarded the honorary “Golden Cross” badge. It was only in April last year that I wrote a report and resigned.

– What are you doing now?

– Before the full-scale invasion, I was in charge of the claims and litigation department – I dealt with courts, to put it simply. Now I head the UzhNU Veteran Development Center. The state is introducing positions for specialists who will help veterans in communities with documents and everyday issues. Since such specialists need to be trained, we are launching a retraining program for the first 20 specialists. At the same time, we are cooperating with the UzhNU Volunteer Corps and systematically supporting my comrades from the 128th — we send generators, food, and everything else they need upon request.

— You have received high state awards. Which one is the most memorable for you?

– I don't like to talk about awards. I will only mention the III degree Order of Courage, which I received in 2015 in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine (February 26, 2015), and the Golden Cross for service in the “Ptakhu Madiara” during the full-scale invasion (order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi dated December 23, 2024).

Returning to civilian life in 2025, Maksym Shelepets did not abandon the cause to which he had devoted years on the front lines. Heading the UzhNU Center for Veteran Development, he continues to fight, but now on the legal and social fronts. Combining his unique experience as a veteran and professional lawyer, Maksym provides his comrades with the systematic support they need most after returning home.

P.S. Our colleague has received more than a dozen awards. Among them are the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's “For Wounds” award (April 2024) and the “Silver Edelweiss” badge. The list also includes the commemorative medal “128 OGSB Military Intelligence,” the “Sector C” badge, the “Karpatska Ukraine” order, and a number of public awards for active volunteer work and the protection of human dignity.

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