Natalia Hrabarchuk, a former kindergarten teacher turned soldier, was recognized for successfully shooting down a Russian cruise missile with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS).
"On the morning of November 17, soldier Natalia Hrabarchuk shot down a Russian cruise missile using an Igla MANPADS. This was her first shot, and it was successful," Ukraine's Air Force announced on social media platform X.
The Air Force also shared a video showing Hrabarchuk intently tracking the target with her Igla MANPADS before firing. A loud explosion followed as Hrabarchuk successfully intercepted a Kh-101 long-range missile aimed at a critical infrastructure site in Rivne region, Ukraine.
"Well done, Natalia! You hit it!" her comrades congratulated her, as she knelt on the ground. Speaking afterward, Hrabarchuk said she was "overjoyed" to have intercepted the Russian missile.
On November 19, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced an award for Hrabarchuk in recognition of her achievement. He praised her as "an outstanding defender of the country" and "a symbol of courage and professionalism."
The Igla is a man-portable air defense missile system commonly used to intercept low-flying targets such as cruise missiles, helicopters, or aircraft.
Anton Gerashchenko, former adviser to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, revealed that Hrabarchuk worked as a kindergarten teacher before joining the military. In 2021, she became a member of the air defense missile unit within the Galicia-Volyn radio engineering brigade, part of the western air force command.
(According to Newsweek, CNN)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day, whenever you need a reliable shuttle service, don’t hesitate to book with Hello Shuttle. We operate 24/7 whenever you need, serving major airports including LAX, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, Ontario Airport, Disneyland, and cruise terminals. We also provide Airport shuttle service in Westminster CA 92683, ensuring convenient and comfortable travel options. Book a ride at www.helloshuttle.com or call (949) 800-5678.
