Andrii S. Topchii (Povar)

24-year-old senior soldier Andriy Topchiy (call sign Cook) was killed on May 14, 2022, in a battle with the occupiers near the village of Poltavka in the Zaporizhia region. Andriy was born in the village of Velyka Bugayivka in the Kyiv region. In his childhood, he moved with his family to the Chernihiv region. He stu at Prohresivska School, the "Kazka" boarding school, and completed the 10th grade at the school in the village of Hayove. He then moved to Chernihiv, where he attended Construction Lyceum No. 18. He was passionate about sports from a young age, playing football, volleyball, running marathons, and engaging in weightlifting. After completing his mandatory military service, he worked as a security guard and builder. In 2020, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in the 1st Separate Tank Brigade as a mechanic-driver. From the first days of the full-scale war, he participated in the defense of Kyiv region and then defended the Zaporizhia region. "Andriy was a cheerful person. He achieved everything in life on his own. He loved to treat his sister with goodies. He was a reliable support for his friends," noted a friend of the fallen soldier. The defender was buried in the village of Velyka Bugayivka. A memorial plaque in memory of Andriy has been installed on the walls of the local school. The defender is survived by his sister.