Azov Brigade medic recognised as the best military medic in Europe by Combat Medical Care Conference 2025

Three servicemen of the medical service of the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov" of the National Guard of Ukraine took part in the Combat Medical Care Conference 2025 - the leading European forum dedicated to military medicine. The conference was held in Germany with the assistance of the Bundeswehr and gathered over 1400 specialists from 44 countries.

Ukrainian fighters presented to the international community the best practices of medical care in active combat conditions. Senior Lieutenant Serhiy Rotchuk, call sign "Jedi", made a report on medical logistics on the battlefield, focusing on innovative approaches developed in "Azov". Olga Tagirova ("Krava") spoke about overcoming the challenges of providing assistance beyond the so-called "golden hour", as well as systematic training of personnel to work in frontline conditions.

Combat medic Vladimir Ryzhenko, call sign "Sprite", was highly praised by his international colleagues. He was honoured with the prestigious award "Best European Medic of the Year" in the category "Military Medicine" for an exceptional case that took place in the winter of 2025. Ryzhenko saved the life of a severely wounded soldier by performing an emergency transfusion of blood dropped from a drone in extreme weather and combat conditions.

In recognition of his courage and professionalism, Sprite was presented with a sword - a symbol of strength, honour and selflessness. Speaking to the conference participants, he expressed his gratitude to his comrades in arms, whose co-ordinated actions made the rescue operation possible.