Serhiy Nosach, an electrician at the Eastern Line Production Department of Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSO), embodies courage and professionalism. During intense fighting in Kharkiv Oblast in 2022-2023, Serhiy was responsible for maintaining the gas supply to the city of Derhachi and surrounding villages. Despite the fierce fighting raging around the station, Serhiy twice managed to get it back up and running after its pipelines were damaged.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Serhiy Nosach single-handedly serviced the gas distribution station, making all necessary adjustments to ensure a stable gas supply to local residents.
“Despite being exhausted, I kept working because people needed gas,” Nosach recalls. “I was almost killed twice during shelling. One time, a rocket hit my yard. Luckily, my house survived.”
The area around the gas distribution station was constantly bombed by Russian forces and littered with unexploded ordnance. During one strike, the main gas pipeline’s connection was damaged. Under fire, Serhiy managed to reach the station’s safety valves and make the necessary adjustments. The speed and success of the emergency repair work depended on his bravery and expertise.
Serhiy admits that his greatest motivation was the people who remained in the nearby towns and villages, hiding in their homes during bombardments. “There were not many people left—mostly elderly folks. How would they survive the winter without gas? I worked, and continue to work, for my people and for our victory. And I will keep doing this after the victory,” Serhiy asserts confidently.
In May 2024, during another Russian attempt to occupy Kharkiv Oblast, Serhiy carried out another seemingly impossible act of heroism, manually shutting down a gas distribution station after shrapnel from an enemy shell hit the pipeline, preventing a gas leak and averting a catastrophe.
Despite the daily risk to life and limb, Serhiy Nosach continues his work, ensuring an uninterrupted gas supply for the people of Kharkiv Oblast and contributing to Ukraine’s victory. His story is one of dedication, professionalism, and indominable spirit.