Well-known Ukrainian journalist and football commentator Alexander Hlyvinsky has publicly announced a new chapter in his life — joining the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He wrote about it on his Facebook page, and the message was republished by the outlet Sport RBC.UA. According to the 51-year-old journalist, his military service began in August 2026, and since then he has been part of an active unit, where, as he emphasized, he considers it his duty to apply his accumulated professional skills.
From the microphone to the ranks
“I have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since August of this year, I have begun serving in the Ukrainian army. I am currently serving in the 7th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion under the command of Serhiy 'Bravo.' Thank you, commander, for your trust!”, Hlyvinsky wrote. The journalist added that he considers the defense of “the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ukrainians” an honor and a privilege, and intends to use his professional experience “with maximum efficiency.” He concluded his statement with the words: “My path lies ahead. I serve the Ukrainian people!”
The path in the 7th Reconnaissance Battalion
According to Hlyvinsky's own account, at the moment he is serving in the 7th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, commanded by Serhiy, known by the callsign “Bravo.” The journalist separately thanked the commander for the trust shown to him. Details of his combat role, his duties within the unit, and the conditions of his service are not disclosed in the public message — as is customary in military circles, part of the information remains closed.
Oath in the “Rarok” brigade
Separately, Hlyvinsky mentioned the 427th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, “Rarok,” where, according to him, he first became acquainted with military service and “realized his connection to the army.” It was in this unit, as he reported, that he took the oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian people. The brigade's commander is named as Colonel Serhiy Mazorchuk, whom the journalist thanked “for the support and the chance to serve by calling,” noting the “high level of organization” and the “brotherly atmosphere of mutual support” within the brigade.
14 years with the national team
Before his military service, Hlyvinsky was one of the most recognizable figures in the Ukrainian football media landscape for over a decade: from 2010 to 2024 he held the post of press attaché of the Ukraine national football team — a total of 14 years. In July 2024, he left this position after completing his long-term work. In the autumn of 2025, he was reportedly re-elected president of the Association of Sports Journalists of Ukraine (ASJU), underscoring his status within the professional community.
Context: media figures at the front
The enlistment of public figures, including representatives of sports journalism, in the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been a consistent trend in recent years of the war, when many well-known people combine their civilian profession with military service. Hlyvinsky's story fits into this context: a man who had worked for years at the forefront of football communication has moved to the front line of the country's defense. It is important to note, however, that all information at this time is based on the journalist's personal statement on social media, republished by a sports outlet, and has not been confirmed by an independent military source.
