Andrii O. Shtepa (Chetvertyi)

Senior soldier Andriy Shtepa was killed on September 7, 2022, during the liberation of the Kharkiv region from Russian occupiers. The 42-year-old defender sustained a fatal explosive injury near the village of Volokhiv Yar. Andriy was born and lived in the city of Sloviansk in the Donetsk region. He graduated from the local school and vocational college. He was trained as a gas and electric welder. He worked as a driver at the ambulance station. He was interested in the history of ships. He was passionate about technology, particularly cars: he loved to disassemble, repair, and generally understand how they worked. Colleagues remember him as a very kind and patient person. Andriy was a participant in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and a war veteran. He defended his native Donbas at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, he returned to civilian life and work. When the full-scale war began, Andriy could not stay away. As part of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Ataman Ivan Sirko, he defended the Kharkiv region. He was a senior driver. "Live honestly, if possible," were Andriy's words. He was a very decent, sincere, and kind person. The best father, husband, and son. "He was the best in everything," noted his wife Olena. The defender was buried in the central alley of the Northern Cemetery in his hometown of Sloviansk. Andriy is survived by his parents, wife, and two sons: Hlib and Daniil.