Andrii R. Yatsel

Soldier Andriy Yatsel died in October 2022 in Donetsk region, defending his native Ukraine from Russian occupiers. The defender was 49 years old. Andriy was originally from Luhansk. However, in 2014, when his homeland was occupied by the Russian army and militants, he moved to Ivano-Frankivsk. He left his past life behind and dreamed above all of liberating Luhansk and having his own home. According to friends, he loved art and oceans but did not like arthouse films. He was a true friend and a very kind person. Since 2014, he served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation/Joint Forces Operation in Donbas. Every year he believed that victory was approaching. However, on February 24, 2022, a full-scale war began, the end of which the defender would never see. “We knew Andriy, who really wanted Ukraine, to have his little house and grow tomatoes. He also taught the history of Ukraine and the history of Ivano-Frankivsk, knew the historical features of the city's streets. In his apartment, there were two maps: one of Ivano-Frankivsk, the other of Khmelnytskyi. He said that his friends lived there. His life turned out such that he was left all alone. Originally from Luhansk. He buried his parents long ago, and his only brother died the day before the Russian-Ukrainian war. Andriy chose Ukraine from Luhansk and has been defending it since 2014. Rest in peace, friend Andriy from Luhansk. Eternal memory...” wrote Ivano-Frankivsk regional council member Natalia Chaplinska. “He was also a very kind, sincere friend and loved elderberry jam... A sad sorrow... Rest in peace, friend Andriy! Eternal memory!” wrote Liliyana Horal. “Andryukha was a warrior since 2014. He only dreamed of a peaceful life and chose Ivano-Frankivsk for it, leaving his house and past in occupied Luhansk…” wrote Shaasha Kurdyum. The defender was buried at the Alley of Glory in Chukalivka, Ivano-Frankivsk region.