Biography

Yuliia Andriivna Shevchenko was born on June 18, 1999, in Kyiv. She studied at Lyceum No. 241 and later graduated from the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University in Kharkiv in 2022. That same year, she began postgraduate studies in criminal law at her alma mater. Even before completing her degree, Yuliia had already distinguished herself as a young professional, winning the “Anti-Corruption Landing Force” project in 2021 and joining the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, where she worked in the department of mandatory full inspections. Alongside her professional pursuits, she wrote poetry and enjoyed hiking and long walks.

With the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Yuliia chose to defend her country. She joined the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura,” serving as deputy commander for moral and psychological support. Her comrades knew her by the call sign “Julia,” and she quickly became a source of strength and encouragement within her unit, embodying resilience and dedication.

On July 30, 2023, during an enemy airstrike on Ukrainian positions in the city of Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region, Yuliia was killed in action.
Her sacrifice was deeply mourned by her family and fiance, friends, fellow soldiers, who remembered her as a courageous officer, a devoted daughter, and a woman whose life was filled with promise and determination.

Yuliia Shevchenko was laid to rest on August 5, 2023, at the Southern Cemetery in Kyiv.

To honor her legacy, the National Debates on Criminal Law were established in her name, ensuring that her dedication to justice and truth would inspire future generations.

The memory of Lieutenant Yuliia Shevchenko endures as that of a bright, principled young woman who gave her life for Ukraine. She remains forever in the hearts of her loved ones and her nation, a symbol of bravery, integrity, and unwavering devotion to the homeland.