Artem S. Verbovskyi (Buinyi)

Senior Lieutenant Artem Verbovsky (call sign Buyny) was killed on April 15, 2022, during the heroic defense of the city of Mariupol in Donetsk region. He was 29 years old forever. Artem was born in Simferopol, Crimea. He graduated from the Crimean Institute of Business at the University of Economics and Management. He was passionate about military affairs, history, loved to read, travel, and adored the mountains. When the Russo-Ukrainian war began, Artem joined the ranks of the Azov regiment. He participated in the battles for Mariupol and Shyrokyne. He was repeatedly awarded by the command, including the medals "Defender of Mariupol," "For Military Service in the ATO," the honors "For the Defense of Mariupol," "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation," "For Courage in Service," as well as the Order of "For Courage" of the III degree. At the beginning of the full-scale war, Artem was in one of the hottest points on the front — in the city of Mariupol. On April 15, during a breakthrough from a double encirclement, Senior Lieutenant Verbovsky commanded a company. Artem's unit crossed the Kalmius River, the bridge over which had been destroyed. The officer remained in the covering group with a few comrades. When the main part of the fighters successfully crossed and only their group remained at the crossing, the enemy launched an artillery strike. Buyny was killed during this shelling. "We lived together for 3 years. I considered him the best man in the world. We had common goals and plans that the war destroyed. Buyny was a volunteer, he joined Azov in 2014, and since then he has bravely defended his native Ukraine. He progressed from a private soldier to a company commander. He was not only a talented commander but also an intelligent, well-mannered, and decent person. He remained devoted to his cause until the end and laid down his life as a true warrior in battle!" — said the defender's beloved. The occupiers have not yet returned the defender's body. Loved ones are still waiting for the opportunity to bury the hero with dignity. Artem is survived by his parents, sister, and civil wife. Senior Lieutenant Artem Verbovsky was posthumously awarded the Order of "For Courage" of the II degree.