Artem V. Biletskyi (Bielia)

Grenade launcher Artem Biletskyi (call sign Belia) was killed on June 15, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the village of Kurulky in the Kharkiv region. The 27-year-old defender received a fatal explosive injury during enemy shelling. Artem was born in the city of Pershotravensk, Dnipropetrovsk region. He graduated from the local school No. 2, studied at the Pershotravensk Mining Lyceum. He worked at DTEK at the Stepova mine as an electric locomotive driver. In his free time, he was engaged in sports. On the second day of the full-scale invasion, on February 25, 2022, Artem was mobilized into the ranks of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar". Having taken the position of a grenade launcher, Belia, together with his comrades-in-arms, stood up to defend the Kharkiv region from the Russian invaders. "Artem was a very good son, a loving husband and a wonderful friend. He was very responsible at work and at home," said his mother Svitlana. The defender's friend emphasized that it is important that Artem be remembered as he was in life - with a great sense of humor, a charming smile and a clear principle - to do everything right, in good conscience. "Our fellow countryman loved his native city and Ukraine with all his heart and bravely gave his life for his native land and independence! Eternal gratitude, deep bow to the Defender of Ukraine!" - noted in the Pershotravensk community. The defender was buried in the Alley of Glory in his native city. Artem is survived by his parents and wife.