Yana Zinkevych – Commander of Hospitallers Battalion

Yana Zinkevych is a Ukrainian volunteer medic, servicewoman, founder and commander of the Hospitallers medical battalion. At just 18 years old, she made a choice that would save hundreds of lives and inspire a nation. Her story is one of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to saving every life on the battlefield.

Yana was born in 1995 in Rivne and graduated from Rivne Educational Complex “Collegium.” She planned to enter medical university but postponed her dream until 2017, when she became a student at Dnipro State Medical Academy.

Yana Zinkevych went to war at age 18, as soon as Russia began its invasion of Donbas in 2014. Later, Yana recalled:

I actively participated in Maidan protests. Back then, Right Sector was led by Sasha Bilyi, and he said Russia would attack us. They were already actively preparing us — there were parachute jumps, trench digging, orientation, and other useful war skills. So as soon as it all started, I went to the front in the very first group of 60 people from Rivne.

Yana also admitted that when she reached the frontline, she faced many challenges.

Back then, women at the front were few. Our unit had several, and they mostly worked in rear positions. I had to earn respect from each individual person, because being a commander at 18 is very difficult.

Saving Lives Under Fire

During the active phase of the Anti-Terrorist Operation in 2014-2015, Yana Zinkevych saved over 200 wounded soldiers. For her contribution to fighting against enemies, she received the Order “For Merit” III degree, Order “For Saving Lives,” and Order “People’s Hero.”

How Yana Created the Hospitallers

On July 6, 2014, fierce battles took place for Karlivka and Pisky. In numerous interviews, Yana later admitted that during Russian attacks that day, she promised herself that if she survived, she would create a medical unit. She kept her promise. She named her unit after the medieval order of Hospitallers.

The medical battalion provides first aid to military and civilians in combat zones. Hospitaller crews evacuate, stabilize, and transport wounded from the red zone to stabilization points, frontline hospitals, or medical facilities.

For Every Life

The Hospitallers’ motto is “For Every Life.” On social media, Yana wrote:

Our mission is providing medical care right on the battlefield, often in conditions where any moment can be critical for the crew. Hospitallers aren’t just medics — they’re true volunteers of war.

The battalion commands great respect among fighters and enjoys enormous moral support from the entire Ukrainian people. The activities of its members attract interest from modern artists — poets, writers, singers, and directors.

The Hospitallers also regularly conduct medical-tactical training, providing knowledge that helps survive emergencies in civilian life. Training sessions feature experienced instructors from among the most qualified Hospitallers who’ve completed multiple frontline rotations. These courses prove popular among both soldiers and civilians, spreading life-saving skills throughout Ukrainian society.