Andrii V. Skachkov (Balu)

Soldier Andrii Skachkov (call sign Balu) was killed on January 8, 2023, while performing a combat mission in the Soledar area in Donetsk region. The warrior was 40 years old. Andrii was born and lived in Zaporizhzhia. He graduated from secondary school No. 108. Then he studied at the Zaporizhzhia Institute of Economics and Information Technologies. For over 20 years, he worked as a crane operator in the open-hearth shop of the Zaporizhstal plant. He was not a professional soldier, but on June 4, 2022, he joined the ranks of the defenders on his own initiative. He served in the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade. He held the position of a grenade launcher assistant. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he took part in the liberation of Kherson, repelled attacks of Russian troops in the battles for Bakhmut, and stopped their advance in Soledar. "Andrii was a kind, cheerful and very life-loving person, with a good sense of humor. He had a good musical ear and sang very well. His comrades-in-arms called him the soul of the company and the "orchestra" of the 46th Brigade, respected him for his courage and ability to maintain the fighting spirit. He had many friends. Wherever Andrii appeared, a celebration always began. He was a support and a pillar for his loved ones and relatives. Andrii's death is an unspeakable pain, a very heavy loss for his entire family and friends. His son Anton, who is only 15 years old, still hopes that this is some kind of mistake, that his dad will return and say, as always: "Hello, son! How are you?". We will always remember our Hero! Eternal memory and the Kingdom of Heaven to you, Andrii. You are now our Angel! Glory to the Heroes!" - wrote the deceased's ex-wife Olesya. The hero was buried in the Right Bank Cemetery in his hometown. Andrii is survived by his father, brother, son, and nephews. Posthumously, soldier Andrii Skachkov was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.