Two Peacekeepers Receive UN's Highest Courage Award | United Nations

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One of the United Nations' most prestigious awards, the medal recognizes extraordinary bravery in the service of peace. Prykhodko lost his life during a high-risk evacuation mission in South Sudan in 2025, while Reyes repeatedly came under heavy fire to rescue wounded soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their actions reflect the courage, dedication and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in conflict zones around the world. Ukrainian peacekeeper Sergii Prykhodko and Uruguayan peacekeeper Sergeant Matias Reyes are being honoured with the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage during the International Day of UN Peacekeepers commemorations on 5 June.