The First Recipient of the Lord Ashcroft Courage Award: "Bird" from Azov Steel Plant
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced at the ceremony that the first recipient of the Lord Ashcroft Courage Award is Poliushchuk, a member of the garrison at the Azov Steel Plant known by the codename "Bird."
In his address, Kuleba commended Poliushchuk’s acts of bravery: she participated in the defense of Mariupol, was captured and held for four months in a Russian prisoner-of-war camp, and upon release, returned to active duty. He emphasized, "Russia sought to destroy our 'Bird,' but she proved stronger than her adversaries. As long as 'Bird' endures, Ukraine will endure."
Poliushchuk graduated from a music secondary school and had studied medical courses before traveling to Mariupol to join the Azov Battalion.
The Lord Ashcroft Courage Award is named after British politician Lord Ashcroft and aims to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage in times of conflict. Poliushchuk is the first recipient since the award's establishment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878955540523020/
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