On the initiative of the National Library of Ukraine for Children, its young readers embroidered a vyshyvanka – a protective shirt – for the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk. The children embroidered the shirt themselves for the Defenders’ Day and presented it to Vasyl Maliuk during their meeting.

To make this gift, the children were inspired by the special operations carried out under the leadership of the Head of the Service, like the special operation Spider Web.

The original ornament of the embroidered shirt was developed based on traditional symbols: the trident as a sign of Ukrainian statehood, the Cossack cross as a symbol of military valour and honour, and the image of Cossack Mamai under an oak tree as a spiritual talisman. In addition, the Cossack warrior sitting on the skulls of his enemies has become one of the iconic figures for the Service’s staff during the full-scale war, symbolizing the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

‘This vyshyvanka will protect us during the next important missions we are currently planning. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and the energy invested in this embroidered gift will inspire, protect and support us. Children are the future of our country. I hope that some of them will eventually serve in the SSU, already in peacetime. And we will do everything to build a foundation for a peaceful, happy life for all Ukrainian children,’ said the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine.

In addition, the SSU team organized a tour of the SSU Museum for the children and told them how to avoid falling prey to russian special services, which recruit Ukrainian kids for sabotage, arson and terrorist attacks.

The Vyshyvanka for a Hero project was launched by the National Library of Ukraine for Children. The initiative involves library visitors voting for famous Ukrainians and embroidering a shirt for the winner themselves. This year, the winner was the SSU Head, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk.

The initiative started in Pereyaslav on 15 July, Ukrainian Statehood Day. Work on the vyshyvanka took two and a half months.