Olena Sharhovska: Veteran Paramedic and Journalist Passes Away
The dual career of a media professional and military medical officer has ended following her discharge in 2024.
By Malik Salazar ·
Olena Sharhovska, known professionally by the name Jane, has died. She was a veteran of the Hospitallers medical battalion who also built a significant career in journalism and translation. The announcement of her passing was made public by Yana Zinkevych, the commander of the Hospitallers, and by former colleagues at the media outlet Novynarnia. Her death marks the end of a life characterized by a unique intersection of media work and frontline military service.
Before transitioning to medical work, Sharhovska possessed extensive experience in the field of media. Her professional background included roles as a journalist, translator, editor, and social media specialist. Her career encompassed both television and print media formats. She also contributed to specific projects for the organizations Ukraїner and Osvitoria. This diverse professional history established her as a figure well-versed in communication and public engagement prior to her military service.
Beginning in 2015, Sharhovska dedicated herself to life-saving work on the front lines. She initially volunteered with the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital named after Mykola Pyrohov. She subsequently joined the Hospitallers. Yana Zinkevych described her contributions in detailed terms, stating that having mastered tactical medicine, Jane went to evacuate the wounded from the hottest sections of the front line. Zinkevych noted that she was snatching the lives of soldiers from the jaws of death on the way to stabilisation points.
In addition to her medical duties, Sharhovska and fellow servicewomen campaigned for women to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine on equal footing with men. She was a co-organizer of the Invisible Battalion March, an event held in Kyiv in 2016. Participants in that march urged authorities to open military positions to women that had previously been reserved exclusively for men. This advocacy work highlighted her commitment to reforming military structures and expanding opportunities for female defenders.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Sharhovska was located in Portugal. An injury prevented her from returning to Ukraine immediately. Despite her physical distance, she supported the country as a volunteer from abroad. On September 10, 2022, which coincided with her birthday, she officially joined the military. This timing marked a significant personal and professional milestone in her continued service to Ukraine.
Serving with the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, she was deployed in several key areas, including Bakhmut, Toretsk, and Kharkiv Oblast. Her duties extended beyond carrying out medical evacuations. She also trained other service members in tactical medicine. As a member of the Women's Veteran Movement, she actively pushed for female defenders to be provided with proper equipment. She was discharged from service in August 2024 for health reasons.
Novynarnia remembered Sharhovska as a person of words and travel, noting her deep interest in the world and in people. The outlet observed that despite the difficulties she faced, she maintained her love of words and people. She continued to help fellow soldiers through fundraising efforts and purchased vehicles for the front. Her personal motto, as cited by the outlet, was to do what one believes needs to be done, and then come what may.
Bohdan Lohvynenko, a serviceman, journalist, writer, and founder of Ukraїner, also paid tribute to her memory. He recalled that they lived in neighboring buildings in Vynohradar and frequently sat in one of their kitchens to discuss editorial matters. In his assessment, he described her as an enormous source of support and a driving force behind many processes. He also noted that she remained quite harsh towards the unknown.
Her legacy encompasses both her professional achievements in media and her critical role in military medicine. The combination of her advocacy for women in the military and her hands-on experience on the front lines provides a distinct perspective on the current conflict. Colleagues and commanders have highlighted her dual identity as a creator of content and a provider of care. Her story illustrates the complex paths many individuals have taken to support Ukraine's defense efforts.
The confirmation of her death by both military leadership and former media colleagues underscores her impact across both sectors. Her work with the Hospitallers and the International Legion remains part of the broader narrative of Ukraine's military capacity. The reactions from her peers emphasize her dedication and the specific challenges she overcame. Her contributions to tactical medicine and veteran advocacy will continue to be remembered in these contexts.
