Andrii V. Lazurko (Biba)

Staff Sergeant Andriy Lazurko (call sign Biba) killed in action on March 1, 2022, as a result of an enemy airstrike on the Kharkiv Aviation Plant. The defender was 41 years old. Andriy was born in Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv region. He graduated from Bohodukhiv Professional and Technical School. He mainly worked in construction. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and family vacations. He was passionate about tank games and watching historical and military films. The man always dreamed of military service, so in January 2022, he finally decided to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 209th Battalion of the 113th Territorial Defense Brigade. From the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, Andriy stood up to defend Kharkiv and the region. "Your eternal sleep - our eternal sorrow...", wrote the wife of the deceased, Yulia. "My dear father, I pray for you, And believe every day, That you are close by, Living. I remember you and miss you so much, So much I want to turn back time..." Andriy's daughter Veronika dedicated this poem to her father. Andriy was buried on the Alley of Glory at the central cemetery in his hometown. The defender left behind his wife, daughter, son, relatives, and friends. Posthumously, Staff Sergeant Andriy Lazurko was awarded the Order of "Courage" III degree.