A Farmer from Kherson Who Defended His Fields with a Shotgun Awarded the Title of Hero of Ukraine
© Photo: Oleksandr Korniakov / Suspilne Kherson
Kostiantyn Golubtsov
Published: November 13 2025 at 10:39 amSource: MyUkraineis.org
President Volodymyr Zelensky has posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the “Gold Star” to Oleksandr Hordiienko, a farmer from Kherson Oblast who single-handedly demined fields and fought off Russian drones threatening his land and workers. The corresponding decree was published on the official website of the Office of the President.
Who Oleksandr Hordiienko Was
For more than 30 years, Oleksandr Hordiienko worked in agriculture. He owned the Hordiienko farming enterprise and headed the regional Association of Farmers and Private Landowners. Despite constant shelling, mined fields, and attacks, he remained on his land and continued working to sustain the agricultural life of Kherson region.
He became known nationwide after telling local media that he and other farmers were demining fields on their own and had removed around 5,000 anti-tank mines.
A Farmer Who Shot Down Drones
To protect his fields from Russian drones, Hordiienko initially used a simple hunting shotgun. Later, he purchased a semi-automatic 10-round Turkish shotgun and installed radio-electronic warfare systems on his land to counter enemy UAVs.
“I thought I would never pick up a weapon again — but the Russians forced me,” he said in one interview.
According to his daughter Alina, Hordiienko personally shot down over 100 Russian drones. Other sources say the number exceeded 200.
Fighting “For Every Grain”
In 2025, Oleksandr harvested crops under constant drone attacks. He combined agricultural equipment with military-style protection — using EW systems in the fields while personally shooting down UAVs that targeted machinery and workers.
He also evacuated vehicles and protected staff during shelling, ensuring that work could continue even in frontline conditions.
Killed While Doing His Job
On 5 September 2025, Oleksandr Hordiienko was killed when a Russian drone struck his vehicle near the village of Urozhayne in Beryslav district. He was 58 years old.
The attack is being investigated as a war crime.
National Campaign for His Recognition
After his death, his story resonated across Ukraine. His daughter launched a petition asking the President to grant him the title of Hero of Ukraine — it gathered over 25,000 signatures.
On 11 November 2025, President Zelensky signed the decree conferring the title of Hero of Ukraine with the “Gold Star” to Oleksandr Hordiienko. The President emphasized that the farmer had done “a great deal to ensure that Kherson region lived, and that Ukrainian land remained ours — demined and protected from drones.”
A Symbol of the Resilience of Ukrainian Agriculture
Hordiienko’s story has become a national symbol of resilience. It reflects the courage of thousands of Ukrainian farmers who continue to sow, harvest, and protect their fields under fire — ensuring the country’s food security even during war.
The Gold Star awarded to Oleksandr Hordiienko honors not only his personal bravery but also the steadfastness of all agricultural workers who risk their lives every day to keep Ukraine fed and strong.
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