Biography

Olha Serhiivna Simonova was born on November 12, 1988, in Chelyabinsk, Russia. From an early age, she excelled in sports, mastering disciplines such as contact karate, jiu-jitsu, hand-to-hand combat, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. She competed internationally and earned the titles of Master of Sport and Candidate for Master of Sport in several fields. Her energy, discipline, and determination shaped her character and prepared her for the challenges ahead.

In late 2014, Olha made a life-changing decision. Disillusioned by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, she left her homeland and moved to Kyiv, determined never to return. At first, she volunteered as a paramedic, serving in medical units and battalions, but soon realized her true calling was to fight on the front lines. In 2016, she signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, joining the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. She served in reconnaissance and later trained at the Desna military center, where she distinguished herself as one of the best shooters and earned the position of BMP commander.

In 2017, Olha became the first foreign-born soldier to receive Ukrainian citizenship while serving in the Armed Forces. She proudly renounced her Russian citizenship, fully embracing her new identity as a Ukrainian. Known by her call sign “Simba,” she was respected for her honesty, courage, and resilience. She rejected gender distinctions in the army, believing that all soldiers shared equal responsibility. Her comrades remembered her as cheerful, fair, and deeply committed to her duty. She also cared for animals on the front lines, rescuing cats and dogs and finding them homes, while keeping some herself.

Although she briefly attempted to return to civilian life, buying an apartment and settling in Kyiv, the full-scale invasion in 2022 brought her back to the battlefield. She fought in the most dangerous areas of Luhansk and later in Kherson, where her unit was deployed during the counteroffensive. On September 13, 2022, while leading her BMP in combat operations, Olha was killed by an explosive device.

Her funeral took place in Kyiv, where hundreds of comrades, volunteers, and citizens came to honor her memory.

On September 8, 2023, she was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Golden Star.

Olha Simonova’s life is remembered as a story of courage, principle, and sacrifice. Born in Russia but choosing Ukraine as her homeland, she stood firm in defense of freedom and sovereignty. Her legacy as a fearless warrior and true patriot will forever remain in the hearts of her comrades and the nation she gave her life to protect.