Head of Directorate for defense resources planning – Deputy Head of Main Directorate for defense and recruitment planning of the General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces. Born on October 7, 1965 in Semypolky village, Kyiv region.

Took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk regions from December 15, 2014 until February 1, 2015. Accomplished special tasks as Head of Staff, Deputy Head of Joint Center for Control and Coordination.

Colonel Ostapets organized three successful rotations of Ukrainian Armed Forces at the Donetsk airport. He was personally present in the airport area demonstrating exceptional command skills, determination and balanced approach to decision-making.

On February 1, 2015, while being in charge of evacuation of civilians, he came under shelling from enemy multiple rocket launcher in Debaltseve and was heavily wounded in the left forearm. Despite the injury he continued to command the Joint Center’s defense.

Colonel Ostapets was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky (third-class) for courage and high professionalism demonstrated while defending Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Decree no.213/2015 of the President of Ukraine dated April 9, 2015 “On decorating with Ukraine’s state awards.”