From childhood, 22-year-old maritime border guard Andrii had dreams of becoming a sailor and working on large ships. Before pursuing his maritime career, he decided to test himself and enrolled in the Odessa Military Lyceum after the 9th grade. His education in the lyceum toughened his character, added physical strength, endurance, and discipline.

Later, advancing towards his goal, Andrii entered the Marine College named after O.I. Marinesko at the National University "Odessa Maritime Academy", where he mastered the profession of electromechanic.

In 2021, when it was time for him to serve his conscription, Andrii , without hesitation, went to the territorial recruitment center.

His first voyage at sea left a lasting impression on the sailor. It happened in stormy conditions, so he had to perform his duties despite the symptoms of seasickness.

Andrii mastered his position as meticulously and responsibly as he did everything else in his life. His body eventually adapted to the swaying of the sea.

He learned about the full-scale enemy invasion directly on board the cutter.

The enemy sought to occupy Ukrainian territory, including landing troops on the coast. It was necessary to quickly counter the enemy's intentions. The crew of the Maritime Border Guard cutter was constantly on alert, patrolling and carrying out combat missions in the coastal areas of Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Ochakiv.

The russians constantly hunted for the cutters and ships of the Maritime Border Guard, so during missile and "Grad" MLRS attacks, the crew had to demonstrate extraordinary endurance and composure to act proactively and avoid danger through skilled maneuvers. In such moments, the reliable, flawless operation of the engine and all mechanisms and systems was crucial and vital. This was ensured by the motorist and other members of the crew. Thanks to their professionalism and unity, the iron comrade did not fail, enduring all maximum loads.

Andrii 's responsible attitude towards his service and his skill with weapons were noted by the leadership, and a few months after the return of the cutter to its permanent base, he was entrusted with the position of a machine gunner on one of the Maritime Border Guard ships.

As usual, Andrii properly mastered the entrusted weapon, excellently applying the ship's DShK heavy machine gun (Degtyaryov-Shpagin large-calibre machine gun) and already has a shot down drone to his credit.

According to the sailor, when repelling enemy air attacks, he acts almost automatically with the machine gun. Anger towards the enemy and the desire to shoot down the airborne target override fear and allow him to focus on hitting the deadly drone.

Overall, shooting with the DShK, even during training, is an indescribable feeling. And when shooting down a drone, it's a significant contribution to the defense of the state border of Ukraine, bravery, high professionalism, and loyalty to the military oath, Andrii was awarded the breast badge "For Courage in the Defense of the State Border of Ukraine."