On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, the public once again turns its attention to the fates of those who exchanged their usual creative or public activities for the defense of their homeland. This list includes famous musicians, actors, choreographers, and directors who joined the defense forces from the first days of the full-scale war or later. Their stories demonstrate a profound transformation of Ukrainian society in the face of aggression.
Music and Drones on the Frontline
Boombox frontman Andriy Khlyvnyuk became a symbol of resistance in the very first days of the full-scale invasion by performing the song 'Oi u luzi chervona kalyna'. However, beyond his media image, the musician is engaged in serious combat work, having mastered the specialty of a 'Karatel' strike drone operator. As of 2026, he continues to combine his service in patrol police units with active volunteer and concert activities. Another famous musician, Oleksandr Yarmak, leads the Darknode battalion within the 412th Nemesis Brigade, focusing his efforts on engineering technologies and improving drone efficiency.
Stage, Cinema, and Military Oath
Many cultural and film figures have also swapped film sets for military IDs. Actress Daria Burkowska, who starred in 'Butterfly Vision', officially took her military oath in September 2024 and headed the media team of the 4th Separate Medical Battalion. Theater director Olena Apchel, who previously worked in European theaters in Warsaw and Berlin, reached the rank of National Guard lieutenant by 2026 and serves as the head of the artillery reconnaissance control post.
Transformation of Television Images
Viewers were used to seeing Dmytro Dikusar on the dance floor of 'Dancing with the Stars', but the choreographer stood up to defend Ukraine in the first days of the war. Colleagues note how much his character and appearance have changed under the influence of frontline realities. A similar path was taken by Haryk Bircha, known for his comedic TV roles, who began his service with the Kyiv territorial defense, and Igor Lastochkin.
Contradictory Data
Open sources and media frequently contain discrepancies regarding the exact mobilization dates of certain public figures, as well as details of their current status within units. In particular, information about the transfer of certain artists to combat units or their recovery after injuries often arrives with a delay due to security considerations and strict military censorship under martial law.
