Veteran Paramedic Olena Sharhovska Dies
The former journalist and Hospitallers member served in Bakhmut and campaigned for equal military roles for women.
By Olga Kaur ·
Olena Sharhovska, a veteran paramedic and former journalist, has died. Yana Zinkevych, commander of the Hospitallers medical battalion, announced the news alongside former colleagues at the media outlet Novynarnia.
Sharhovska built a career in media before shifting to medicine. She worked as a translator, editor, and social media specialist for television and print outlets. She also contributed to projects for Ukraїner and Osvitoria.
She began volunteering on the front line in 2015 with the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital named after Mykola Pyrohov. She later joined the Hospitallers. Zinkevych described Sharhovska’s work as mastering tactical medicine to evacuate wounded soldiers from intense combat zones to stabilization points.
The paramedic advocated for women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine on equal terms with men. She co-organized the Invisible Battalion March in Kyiv in 2016. Participants in that event urged authorities to open military positions previously reserved for men to female candidates.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Sharhovska was in Portugal. An injury delayed her return to Ukraine, and she supported the country as a volunteer from abroad. She formally joined the military on September 10, 2022, which was her birthday.
Serving with the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Sharhovska deployed to Bakhmut, Toretsk, and Kharkiv Oblast. Her duties included medical evacuations and training other service members in tactical medicine. As a member of the Women's Veteran Movement, she pushed for better equipment for female defenders. She was discharged in August 2024 for health reasons.
Novynarnia described Sharhovska as a person interested in the world and people. The outlet noted that she maintained her love for words and continued helping soldiers through fundraising. She also purchased vehicles for the front. Her motto was to do what she believed needed to be done, regardless of the outcome.
Bohdan Lohvynenko, a serviceman and founder of Ukraїner, paid tribute to Sharhovska. He recalled living in neighboring buildings in Vynohradar and discussing editorial matters in their kitchens. He characterized her as a source of support and a driving force behind many processes, while noting she remained harsh toward the unknown.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
