Yuliya "Tyra" Paevska has received the International Women of Courage "World's Bravest Woman" award from the US State Department for her courage and physical and moral strength during the defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The volunteer was detained by the Russian occupiers during the evacuation of the wounded people in March 2022 and remained in captivity until June 2022.
After her release from captivity, she talks about the crimes of the Russian military and the conditions of captivity, she is not afraid to show her strength and voice in action.
"...Yulia Paevska documented the atrocities of Russian troops in Mariupol and secretly handed over the memory stick to Associated Press journalists.She was forced to destroy another memory stick with her teeth before being captured and tortured by the Russian military,” said White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre during the award ceremony.
The award was presented at the White House in the presence of US Secretary of State and First Lady Jill Biden. Her work is noted as an example for other units and cooperation of international organizations in ensuring security. The commander thanked her team and partners for their support and helpness in achieving this success.
