Hennadii Popenko joins the National Guard: 47-year-old TV presenter chooses educational track

Change in service profile

Ukrainian TV presenter Hennadii Popenko has officially joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. His new place of service is the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard, where he will focus on implementing cultural, educational, and communication initiatives.

The decision to change direction was made taking his health condition into account. Popenko noted that he has the status of fit for military service, but with certain restrictions due to a previous injury. That is why, among numerous offers, he chose the option that allows him to combine military duties with his civilian professional expertise.

«Через попередню травму маю статус придатного, але з обмеженнями. Тому з армійських пропозицій (а їх дуже багато — кожен знайде для себе) обрав ту, що може поєднувати службу та цивільний фах» (Due to a previous injury, I have the status of fit, but with restrictions. Therefore, from the army offers (and there are many of them — everyone will find something for themselves), I chose the one that can combine service and civilian expertise), the TV presenter explained.

Military path and injury

Hennadii Popenko's voluntary service began in 2022. He served in air defence units, as well as in the 59th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade.

In 2024, during training exercises on the Zaporizhzhia direction, the showman suffered a serious knee injury. After treatment, he returned to the field of state communications: in July 2025, Popenko took the position of spokesperson for the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs.

Now, the 47-year-old media professional continues his service within the National Guard structure, using his many years of experience in media and communications.