Defending the country and winning in the ring: A Ukrainian Armed Forces sapper won a medal at the Ukrainian Boxing Championship.

Ukrainian Armed Forces sapper Marianna “Malaya” Basanets not only defends Ukraine from Russian occupiers but is also an active sportswoman. She took third place in the national boxing championship.

Marianna serves as a sapper in the 214th Separate Assault Battalion “OPFOR” of the Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and plans to become a UAV operator. The Ukrainian Championship medalist also shared how she manages to combine elite sports with her military service.

According to her, combining service and sports is difficult. For example, a year ago she considered giving up boxing, but she decided to test herself in competition. Despite the lack of a coach and the necessary facilities, Basanets achieved a good result at the Ukrainian Championship. Incidentally, her fellow soldiers actively supported her preparation, allowing her to rest and buy extra food.

As previously reported by “Pryamiy,” the charity event “Run of Honor named after Recruit 2026” was held in Kyiv for the fifth time.

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