A Ukrainian soldier, Yanis Tereshchenko, has been praised for his quick actions in saving the life of a stabbing victim while on holiday in Venice, Italy. Tereshchenko, a 32-year-old teacher, was en route to his hotel with his wife and son in the Rialto district when he witnessed an altercation between two young men. One of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed the other in the arm and leg.

Tereshchenko had the presence of mind to use his first-aid kit, which he always carries, even on holiday, to stop the bleeding and stabilize the victim until the ambulance arrived. Doctors later confirmed that Tereshchenko’s intervention was crucial and potentially life-saving. The soldier’s experience from serving in the Ukrainian army’s third assault brigade during Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 had equipped him with the necessary skills to handle the emergency.

Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, personally met and thanked Tereshchenko, presenting him with a plaque to honor his courageous act. The identities of the victim and the attacker, as well as the motivation behind the attack, remain unknown. Tereshchenko expressed that the war has taught him and his fellow soldiers the importance of taking care of others. Despite his experience in Italy, Tereshchenko is committed to returning to his home country to continue defending his land.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/13/ukraine-soldier-saves-stabbing-victim-venice-yanis-tereshchenko