Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented the National Legend of Ukraine award to Anatolii Borychevskyi, director of the DTEK Prydniprovska Thermal Power Plant, for his work in strengthening and defending the country during the war.
The ceremony took place with the participation of President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, energy company DTEK said in a statement. The annual distinction honors military personnel and civilians who have made significant contributions to Ukraine.
Recipients included service members, medical workers, energy specialists, artists, athletes, journalists, and other Ukrainian and foreign citizens.
Decades of service in Ukraine energy sector
Borychevskyi has worked in the energy sector for more than 30 years. DTEK noted that his experience took on particular significance during the full scale war, when he led the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant in eastern Ukraine.
As one of the facilities situated closest to the front line in the Donetsk region, the Kurakhove plant was repeatedly subjected to Russian shelling, heavy destruction, and operational shutdowns. Despite the ongoing attacks, power plant staff continuously repaired damaged machinery to restore electricity generation.
Evacuation of heavy power plant equipment
When the advancing front line made saving the Kurakhove station impossible, Borychevskyi directed an unprecedented operation to evacuate critical equipment. Working under constant threat of bombardment and without functioning railway connections, specialists dismantled key machinery units weighing tens of tons and moved them out by road to accelerate repairs at other power stations.
Speaking about the recognition, Borychevskyi said the award belongs to all energy workers who restore damaged equipment daily, reconnect power units to the grid, and keep electricity on for the nation. He added that the honor recognizes the repair crews, miners, and machinery builders who sustain the energy grid, noting that everyone who stays at their post despite danger is a national legend, and stating that he accepted the award on behalf of his entire team.
Thermal power plants supply essential electricity and district heating across Ukraine. DTEK, the nation's largest private energy investor, operates thermal power facilities, coal mines, and regional distribution networks that form a major component of the national energy grid.
