Meet the Defenders
Voices From Ukraine’s Front Lines: Meet the Speakers
As part of the Voices From Ukraine’s Front Lines speaking tour, Arizona will host a delegation of Ukrainian combat veterans who bring firsthand experience from the war against Russia.
These are not distant analysts or commentators—they are individuals who have lived, fought, and led through one of the defining conflicts of our time. Their stories reflect not only the realities of war, but also the resilience, leadership, and evolving identity of modern Ukraine.
Denys “Wolverine” Haida
Senior Soldier-Operator, Armed Forces of Ukraine (ret)
Founder, Brave Children of Ukraine
Denys Haida, callsign “Rosomakha” (Wolverine), is a combat veteran who has defended Ukraine since the earliest days of the war in 2014 and returned to service following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Over years of frontline experience, he has taken part in key phases of Ukraine’s defense, earning national recognition for courage and service, including the Order of Courage and the title of People’s Hero of Ukraine.
Beyond the battlefield, Denys is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans and civilians affected by the war. Through his leadership in charitable and veteran-focused initiatives, he continues to serve Ukraine by helping rebuild and strengthen its communities.
Mykola “Fritz” Melnyk
Senior Lieutenant, Armed Forces of Ukraine (ret)
Founder & Director, Brave Children of Ukraine
Mykola Melnyk, callsign “Fritz,” is a Ukrainian veteran, legal expert, and civic leader whose experience spans both frontline service and national-level policy work.
Before and during the war, Mykola contributed to Ukraine’s legislative process, working with members of parliament and focusing on legal and regulatory frameworks. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, he served as a Senior Lieutenant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Today, he leads Brave Children of Ukraine, an initiative dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by the war. His work reflects a broader commitment to Ukraine’s long-term recovery, governance, and democratic development.
Oleh “Bonya” Bonchynskyi
Senior Soldier-Operator, Armed Forces of Ukraine (ret)
Co-Founder & Head, Khodoriv Organization for Support of ATO Veterans
Oleh Bonchynskyi, callsign “Bonya,” is a seasoned Ukrainian fighter and veteran leader who has been involved in Ukraine’s defense efforts since 2014.
He began his service as part of the volunteer movement and later joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces, where he continued to serve on the frontlines. Over the years, he has been recognized with multiple national honors for bravery and dedication.
Following his military service, Oleh has remained deeply engaged in supporting Ukraine’s veteran community. As co-founder of the Khodoriv Organization for Support of ATO Veterans, he works to ensure that those who served are not forgotten and receive the support they deserve.
Why Their Voices Matter
Ukraine’s war is often discussed in terms of geopolitics, strategy, and headlines. But behind those narratives are real people—leaders, soldiers, and citizens—whose experiences shape the reality on the ground.
Through this speaking tour, these veterans offer something rare:
direct insight into modern warfare, resilience under pressure, and the human cost of defending freedom.
Explore upcoming events across Arizona as part of the Voices From Ukraine’s Front Lines speaking tour.