For the fifth year in a row, hundreds of participants of the Run of Ukraine will once again run to commemorate the immeasurable losses they suffered, be it a loved one, a respected artist or a city. Each of them carries a story of love, loss and courage. Here is just a small selection of this year’s stories. Some of them commemorate…
…fallen heroes
Anton Vasylovyvch Samborskyi (also known as Matityahu Samborskyi) was born on June 20, 1991, in Kyiv. His early life was marked by hardship. At around the age of ten, he lost his mother and became an orphan. He was later adopted by the family of Ukraine’s chief rabbi, who raised him. In 2022 Samborskyi married, and in 2024 he became a father when his daughter was born. He served as a rifleman and assistant grenadier in the 46th Airmobile Brigade. After completing basic training, he was deployed to the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting was ongoing. On July 24, 2024, at the age of 33, Samborskyi was killed during combat near the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk region, reportedly as a result of enemy mortar fire. His death came only weeks after the birth of his child.
Konstantin Sinyakevich, military alias Kompas. Extremely intelligent, modest, and infinitely compassionate. He never raised his voice, but everyone heard him. A professional rock climber and industrial mountaineer, in the early days of the full-scale invasion he rushed with his friends to save Kyiv: he covered the windows of Kyiv Central Station with nets, which, if hit, could have shattered into thousands of shards. Then he joined the “Svoboda” battalion and headed east. “For me, there was no question of whether to go or not. My mother survived the Holodomor; she left behind diaries that could serve as the basis for a horror movie. My uncles were in the UPA and died in hiding places. I knew history too well to understand who we were dealing with and how this could all end,” he said in one of our conversations. He had studied military science, so he immediately became a platoon commander. Although by nature he was a loner, he took on most of the tasks himself—which is why he was loved and respected. He was somewhat reminiscent of Don Quixote: tall, slender, with a constant, quiet smile. Yet at the same time, he never shied away from any task, no matter how dangerous. Together with his friend, colleague, and fellow townsman Oleksandr Polishchuk (the “Mountaineer”), he was always at the forefront. They were always together. Both loved the mountains and their families; both dreamed of conquering many more peaks after the war. They are both still on the list of those who did not return from the battle on December 23, 2022, in the forest between Kurdyumivka and Ozaryanivka (near Bakhmut). The last thing known about Kostyantyn is that he was killed by a sniper’s bullet as he ran to his wounded comrade, Sashko Polishchuk. He was running to his wounded comrade.
My hero’s name is Grigory Lipsky. We’ve known each other since school in Odessa. When we were young, our group would often get together in Tairov—we’d sit in the gazebo, play guitar, and talk about life and music. Music was what really brought Zhor and me together: back then, I was learning to make beats and music in FL Studio—I had a keyboard synthesizer—while he rapped and listened to hip-hop. Sometimes we’d improvise and jam together. I still remember snippets of those backing tracks Zhora used to rap to. Over time, our paths diverged, as often happens in life. We weren’t in constant contact anymore, but we’d see each other from time to time around the neighborhood. Zhora was always the kind of person people gathered around. He was respected, loved, and people were drawn to him. Every chance encounter with him left a warm feeling and a brief but sincere conversation. Today, Zhora is no longer with us. He died defending Ukraine. To me, he will forever remain a bright, sincere, and talented person, remembered by friends, acquaintances, and everyone who was ever close to him. I dedicate this race to the memory of Hryhorii Lypskyi. Heroes never die.
…devoted grandparents
I am running for my grandma and grandpa who passed away and whom I have not been able to see since the full scale invasion and couldn’t say a proper goodbye to. I run in their memory.
I’ve chosen my grandmother – the only family member of mine, who has raised me. Because of the war we got separated. She passed away without my presence. I’d be honoured to participate for her.
…tireless volunteers
I run in memory of an incredible person — a talented actor, dancer, TV host, and beloved son, Pasha Lee. He was killed in Bucha on March 6, 2022, while volunteering.
Running for all Ukrainians that were affected by this illegal occupation. Especially for my good friend Sasha, from Donetsk, and all her loved ones.
…prevailing cities
Mariupol is not simply about “rebuilding” ruins. It is a city that has endured a siege, mass killings, deportations, and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. Behind the beautiful images of new facades lie thousands of shattered lives and the memory of people who will never return. Occupied Mariupol today is: — control and fear; — filtration and persecution; — the destruction of Ukrainian identity; — propaganda instead of the truth. But Mariupol is not a ruin, nor is it a “trophy.” It is a Ukrainian city. A city of people who held on until the very end. The city of “Azovstal.” A city of pain, strength, and resilience. We remember. We speak out. We won’t let the world forget.
Berdychiv is a Ukrainian city located about 180 km west of Kyiv. It is known for its rich history and multicultural heritage. The city is connected with the names of Honoré de Balzac, who lived and married here, and Joseph Conrad, whose origins are tied to this region. Berdychiv has a unique historical atmosphere, especially through the Fortress Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites — one of the architectural landmarks of Ukraine. Today, the city is also known for its talented athletes who represent Ukraine internationally in high jump, boxing, equilibristics, and powerlifting. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the city and its surroundings have repeatedly suffered from missile attacks. Many of my friends, relatives, and people I grew up with are now defending Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For me, Berdychiv is not only a city with deep history, but also a symbol of resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of Ukrainian people.
…young and fearless friends
This is my friend; he was 22 when he died in the war.
This is just a handful of stories that were shared with us ahead of the run. Read more stories and testimonials from previous runs in 2025 and 2024.
This year, once again, every kilometre will be run in memory – not in mourning, but in defiance of forgetting. Join us on August 23, 2026 to Run for Ukraine at Den Haag Athletiek to carry these stories forward together.
Cannot join us in The Hague? See our satellite runs happening across The Netherlands on August 23: