Anton A. Butkevych (Marli)

Senior soldier Anton Butkevych (call sign Marli) died on November 28, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Ternii in the Donetsk region. The warrior was 24 years old. Anton was from the city of Shpola in the Cherkasy region. He studied at the local Lyceum No. 2. Then he obtained the profession of an electromechanic at the Smila Technological Professional College of the National University of Food Technologies. In civilian life, he worked at the "LNZ Group" company. He had many hobbies, including video games and active recreation. The guy started his combat path back in 2019 in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. Until the spring of 2021, he took part in the Joint Forces Operation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. With the start of the full-scale invasion, he returned to the army. This time he fought for his country as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was a machine gunner of the 44th separate rifle battalion. "We dreamed and made plans for the future. I am a graduate, and Anton really wanted us to dance a waltz at the graduation together. Together we chose a dress for me. Our story, unfortunately, ended very quickly, because the war took the life of my beloved Antoshyk. The memory of him will be in my heart forever. This is a heavy loss and pain," said the deceased's beloved girlfriend Anna Stetsenko. "He bravely and courageously fulfilled his duty as a citizen of Ukraine. Risking himself, he repeatedly saved the lives of his comrades-in-arms, was a faithful friend to them. While in the combat zones, he never said that it was difficult for him, but, on the contrary, supported everyone. I am very proud of my son. He gave his still very young life for us, for Ukraine, for his native land, for victory, leaving behind many plans and unfulfilled dreams," wrote Vitalina Butkevych. The defender was buried in his hometown. Anton left behind a loving family, a girlfriend, friends and comrades-in-arms.