Living legend of Ukraine’s struggle: Who is 94-year-old Ihor Oleshchuk honored by Ukraine’s Special Forces?

Espreso TV takes a closer look at the life of Ihor Oleshchuk — a former political prisoner whose unbroken spirit continues to inspire generations of Ukrainians.

Biography: A life committed to Ukraine’s cause

Ihor Oleshchuk was born in 1931 in the village of Chornyi Lis, Ternopil region — a stronghold of Ukraine’s national liberation movement. Raised in an atmosphere of patriotism, he grew up surrounded by relatives involved in the resistance.

As a teenager during and after World War II, when Ukraine was under Soviet occupation, Oleshchuk joined the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. His role in the underground included distributing anti-Soviet materials and supporting the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). He went by the codename Hrushka.

Oleshchuk recalls that one of his main tasks was to “write and send monthly reports on who had been arrested or deported to Siberia, whose homes were searched, who was suspected of betrayal, and other significant developments.” In 1948, at just 17, he was arrested by the NKVD after one of the UPA’s district hideouts was discovered. Among the seized documents was a report penned by Hrushka — his handwriting linked him to the resistance.

He had come under suspicion earlier at school, when he defended Ukrainian hetman Ivan Mazepa after a teacher labeled him a traitor. Oleshchuk, familiar with Bohdan Lepky’s Mazepa trilogy, argued passionately that Mazepa fought for Ukraine. That incident prompted NKVD scrutiny, which led to his arrest during a history class. A search of his home revealed Ukrainian historical literature.

Convicted of “anti-Soviet activity,” Oleshchuk was sentenced to 25 years in prison — a harsh fate for a young patriot. He served time in the infamous GULAG camps, enduring brutal conditions, hunger, and forced labor.

“In  -50°C, we were forced into the barracks for a two-week quarantine. We were given quilted jackets and felt boots. The ‘criminals’ raided the newcomers, stealing our warm clothes. Poor nutrition and 12-hour workdays sent me to the infirmary four times in 18 months. With some knowledge of Latin, I learned to be a medic and worked at the trauma unit of the mine. We built a bridge over the Ayach-Yaga River in 40–50-degree frost. Despite wearing face masks, frostbite was inevitable. Even with such heavy labor, we were poorly fed,” he recalls.

Despite it all, Oleshchuk never broke. He remained loyal to his ideals and to Ukraine’s future independence.

From political prisoner to educator

Upon returning from exile, the first thing Oleshchuk did was visit the grave of Taras Shevchenko. But life under the watchful eye of Soviet authorities resumed. He worked at a sugar factory and later at Ternopiloblenergo.

With Ukraine’s independence, Oleshchuk became deeply engaged in civic and educational work. Since 1996, he has served as a senior researcher at the Museum of Political Prisoners in Ternopil, located in the former KGB detention center where he himself was once held. There, he gives tours and shares firsthand accounts of Soviet repression — stories that serve as lessons in resilience and courage.

“We were thousands back then. Now we are millions. They left us their legacy of bravery,” he says — a phrase that reflects his life’s mission and the enduring spirit of Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

As a senior researcher at the Ternopil Regional Museum of the National Liberation Struggle, Oleshchuk has devoted himself to preserving the memory of Ukraine’s resistance, particularly the efforts of the OUN and UPA. He is the author of several books and a dedicated voice countering Soviet and Russian propaganda.

Despite his advanced age, he remains active in public initiatives supporting veterans of the liberation movement and their families. His lectures and museum tours continue to inspire countless Ukrainians — especially young people seeking examples of true patriotism and perseverance.

The enduring importance of Ihor Oleshchuk

Ihor Oleshchuk is a living symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom. His life bridges Ukraine’s heroic past with its ongoing struggle for sovereignty. A member of the anti-Soviet resistance, a political prisoner, and now a celebrated historian and educator — he embodies the continuity of Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Orders of Merit (2nd Class in 2016, 3rd Class in 2006), the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (5th Class, 2009), honorary citizenship of Ternopil (2023), the Ternopil City Council Award (1st Class, 2010), the Yaroslav Stetsko Prize (2012), and a lifetime state stipend (2001).

Now, with the awarding of the “Wolf Pack” Badge, 3rd Class, from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, his lifelong dedication to the cause of Ukrainian freedom has once again been recognized.

At 94, Ihor Andriyovych continues to remind us that freedom is not just a gift — it’s something that must be fought for.