15-year-old Armenian boxer awarded medal for heroism in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the “Future of Ukraine” medal to 15-year-old Odesa boxer Mark Avetikyan. The teenager received the high state honor for the heroism he displayed during a Russian missile strike on Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi. The news was reported by the Boxing Federation of Ukraine.

The tragedy unfolded on June 23, when Russian forces launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles at the city. One of them struck the building of Lyceum No. 1 just as students were rushing to the shelter following an air-raid alert. Two schoolchildren were trapped inside — among them was Ukrainian boxing champion Mark Avetikyan, a student of the local youth sports school.

“The boys did not manage to reach the shelter, and part of the wall collapsed on them during the explosion,” the Juvenile Police of Ukraine reported. Despite suffering injuries and severe shock, Avetikyan managed to free himself from the rubble. When he realized that his friend Tymchuk was still trapped, he immediately returned to help.

Mark cleared the debris, giving the injured boy access to air, removed the fragments pinning down his legs, and helped him escape the destroyed building. While making their way to the shelter, the young athlete supported his friend, hardly allowing him to fall, as he could barely walk due to his injuries. “This act is a true example of self-sacrifice and humanity. Mark is not just a student — he is a real hero,” the police emphasized.

The Boxing Federation of Ukraine also congratulated the young athlete, noting that the courage and resilience Avetikyan showed in a moment of mortal danger became an inspiration for the entire country. “In wartime, stories like this give hope. Heroes aren’t always wearing body armor. They are among us — young, brave, and big-hearted,” the statement reads.