Artem I. Shabalin (Vikinh)

Senior soldier Artem Shabalin (call sign Viking) was killed on February 1, 2023 near the village of Paraskivka in the Donetsk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained fatal shrapnel wounds and blast injuries. The defender was 26 years old. Artem was born and lived in Myrhorod, Poltava region. He studied at school No. 9. Then he graduated from the Poltava Vocational Lyceum and obtained the profession of a welder. He worked as a construction worker. During the full-scale Russian invasion, in June 2022, the man joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and went to the front. He served in the 30th separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi. He was the commander of a combat vehicle - the squad commander. "Wherever you were, you knew that I and son Yurasyk would be waiting for you. You promised to return alive. I and my son love you like no one else. You are the best thing I had in my life. Eternal memory," wrote the fallen's beloved Valentyna Kozyniak. "Senior soldier Artem Shabalin confidently commanded his unit, was an example of perseverance and determination for his subordinates. He was loved for his cheerful disposition and fairness. A true Cossack, witty and courageous - this is how he will remain in the memory of his comrades-in-arms," noted the Myrhorod District Council. The soldier was buried in his hometown. At home, Artem was awaited by his parents, sister, beloved, son, relatives and friends.