CALGARY — A Calgary man who has been fighting for Ukraine and suffered burns to nearly 30 per cent of his body in a Russian drone strike on Canada Day last year is receiving a medal from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Mac Hughes initially joined his father, Paul, in doing volunteer work in the war-torn nation, but he joined the Ukrainian military after a close friend died in the fighting.

On July 1, 2025, Hughes jumped behind a car during a drone attack and was pinned to a wall. After the vehicle caught fire and he was unable to free himself, he begged his comrades to shoot him rather than die a painful death.

They refused and pulled him to safety. He later underwent several surgeries and skin grafts.

“The Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal honours Canadians who have been killed in action, wounded in action, or are missing in action, presumed deceased, who served with Ukraine’s armed forces in defence of Ukraine’s freedom against Russia’s genocidal war,” said Taras Jackiw, chair of the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal Committee.

“The Ukrainian Canadian community is deeply grateful to all Canadians who have joined Ukraine’s defence. We will always remember their valour and commitment to Ukraine.”

Hughes told The Canadian Press in February that his recovery was coming along, and he had been walking again and had operations to return feeling to his legs. He was eager to return to the fight.

His father said Mac has now rejoined his unit in Kyiv.

“His commitment to Ukraine is unwavering. He is back with his unit and continues to serve and help Ukraine,” Paul Hughes posted online.

Paul Hughes, a Canadian military veteran and Calgary activist who originally went to Ukraine to fight, said his son also helped him create HUGS (Helping Ukraine Grassroots Support), which delivers supplies and helps evacuees.

Orest Zakydalsky, a senior policy adviser for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said the sacrifice medal was created in 2022, months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We are honoured to be able to recognize his service,” he said.

He said it pays tribute to Canadians who have gone to fight for Ukraine, who had died, been wounded or were missing in action.

Hughes is the 18th person to receive the sacrifice medal.

“Having read about his rehabilitation and what he’s gone through, certainly, his courage is inspiring to us all and his commitment to Ukraine and Ukraine’s freedom is deeply meaningful.”

Last fall, Hughes was awarded a medal for bravery by Ukraine’s chief of military intelligence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2026.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press