Artem V. Bilyk (Panda)

Sergeant Artem Bilyk (call sign Panda) was killed on May 5, 2022 near the village of Pisky in the Donetsk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he was wounded as a result of enemy shelling. The defender was only 23 years old. Artem was born in the village of Kapulivka, Dnipropetrovsk region. In 2016, he graduated from the Nikopol Lyceum. In his free time, he was engaged in sports. The young man decided to dedicate his life to military service and the fight for Ukraine's independence. Since 2018, he has served in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was a fighter of the 23rd separate motorized infantry battalion "Khortytsia" of the 56th brigade. He participated in the Joint Forces Operation in the Donetsk region. At the time of the full-scale war, Artem held the position of platoon commander of the motorized infantry company. From the first days of the invasion, he continued to defend Ukraine from the enemy along with his comrades-in-arms. "He was a cheerful and wonderful person who would always lend a helping hand and never leave you in trouble. He will forever remain in our hearts," said Natalia Havryliuk, the deceased's friend. The young defender was buried in his native village. His parents, other relatives and friends were waiting for Artem at home.