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As Ukraine marks the Day of the Heavenly Hundred on February 20, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary courage shown during the Revolution of Dignity — and to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price for Ukraine’s freedom.
During the dramatic days of February 2014, peaceful demonstrators were met with deadly force from security units and hired militants. Those who were killed became known as the Heavenly Hundred, a name that symbolizes both national mourning and enduring gratitude.
Today, 107 individuals are officially recognized among the Heavenly Hundred. They came from all corners of Ukraine and from abroad, representing every age group, profession, and walk of life — students, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, artists, scientists, and activists.
The youngest, Nazarii Voitovych, was just sixteen.
The oldest, Ivan Nakonechnyi, was eighty-three.
Investigations into the events of those days are still ongoing, and the list may yet be updated. On the first anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, families of the fallen appealed for proper national recognition, including the posthumous title “Hero of Ukraine.” Civic volunteers from Euromaidan SOS were the first to compile a comprehensive list, which was later shared with state institutions.
February 20 was designated by presidential decree as the annual Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, and later that year the Ukrainian parliament established the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes to honor civic bravery, patriotism, and commitment to democratic values.
Remembering Yakiv Yakovych Zayko
As we commemorate the Heavenly Hundred, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation honors the memory of one of our former colleagues and friends — Yakiv Yakovych Zayko.
A former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, Mr. Zayko contributed significantly to the Foundation’s early work in democratic development. He served as publications editor for our pioneering USAID-funded Parliamentary Reform Program, implemented in cooperation with the Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy and Indiana University.
On February 18, 2014, he lost his life during the fierce clashes near the Ukrainian parliament, where citizens demanded the restoration of constitutional democracy. He was one of the oldest victims of the violence — and a man deeply committed to the principles for which so many stood on the Maidan.
Today, institutions such as the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignitycontinue to preserve these stories and honor those who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.
