Andrii S. Andriievskyi

Andrii Serhiyovych Andriievskyi was born on December 8, 2000, in the urban-type settlement of Sofiivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region to a military family. From a young age, he was well acquainted with the concept of an order. In 2004, Andrii's father was transferred to Crimea for service. There, in the city of Balaklava, Andrii began attending school. As a child, he was calm, cheerful, and sociable; however, he wanted to learn how to stand up for himself and protect the weaker, which led him to join a boxing club. Andrii greatly enjoyed training and participated in competitions, earning numerous awards. A younger brother was born to Andrii in Crimea. The boys were mischievous in their childhood, but as they grew older, they became inseparable. In 2014, Andrii's father was transferred to mainland Ukraine, and the family returned to their native village. There, Andrii completed his schooling and maintained a strong connection with his school friends, spending time together and engaging in various activities. He then chose to attend the automotive college of Kryvyi Rih National University, where he loved and excelled at repairing anything that broke down. Andrii dreamed of owning a motorcycle. For his 18th birthday, his parents gifted him his first mode of transport, which brought him immense joy. Later on, he purchased a car on his own. Despite his interest in technology, Andrii had always aspired to become a military man like his father. In 2020, after receiving his technical diploma, he joined the ranks of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine's maritime security. He served as a senior motorist – helmsman of a small maritime patrol boat. The call sign "Motor" was affectionately attached to Andrii. His mother noted that his service instilled a strong sense of discipline in him. She recalls how she would help him prepare meals over the phone. With particular warmth, she cherishes the memories of their last family vacation in Mariupol in the summer of 2021, when they visited Andrii, who showcased how beautiful Mariupol had become. From the first days of the war, Andrii, as part of the Mariupol maritime security unit, defended the city from the enemy. The last message he sent to his family was on March 24: "Everything is fine, don't worry." After that, his mother did not hear from him again. On April 14, 2022, during street battles, Andrii Andriievskyi sustained injuries that were incompatible with life. Everyone who knew Andrii remembers something special about him. A school friend recounted that Andrii was cheerful and sincere, supportive, and respectful of elders. He taught his peers boxing techniques, earning him the nickname "Double," which refers to a boxing combination. He also enjoyed repairing bicycles and motorcycles, and later, cars. He would delve into the causes of malfunctions, making the technology respond to him. Andrii was a good friend. "He was kind and calm, often acting like a true psychologist, able to advise, listen, and help. He was cheerful and dreamy," recalls his friend Illia. "He loved technology and was a true specialist, engaged in sports, and was punctual. We miss Andrii dearly. He will forever remain in our hearts." Friends last met in the summer of 2021 in Mariupol. "The Border Guard Service made Andrii even more responsible, serious, reserved, and brave. He always cared for others. In our last conversation, he advised how to survive during wartime and worried about us, even though he was surrounded by enemies," his friend reminisces. "A true person. A worthy friend, brother, son, neighbor, uncle, husband, and football player. I know very few people without flaws. Now there are even fewer. Andrii was a kind soul, never offended anyone. In our hearts, he will live on as a smiling, cheeky uncle. War takes the best..." shares one of his close friends about Andrii. Andrii Andriievskyi died while performing a combat mission in the city of Mariupol in April 2022. He was laid to rest in his native village of Sofiivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. His final respects were paid by family, close ones, comrades, and friends. The defender was buried with full military honors in the Alley of Glory of his homeland. The commander of the unit presented the national flag and a cap to the mother of the fallen hero. For his courage and selfless actions demonstrated in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as his loyalty to the military oath, Andrii Serhiyovych Andriievskyi was posthumously awarded the rank of "Senior Private, 2nd Class."