Artem Yu. Sokhan (Medyk)

Captain Artem Sokhan (call sign Medic) was killed on October 5, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission to neutralize the pathways of enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the Kharkiv region. On October 19, the defender would have turned 38 years old. Artem was born and lived in Kyiv. He graduated from the National Medical University named after Alexander Bogomolets, earning the profession of pharmacist. From 2014 to 2015, as part of the 12th Territorial Defense Battalion "Kyiv," he participated in the ATO in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. He was wounded but returned to the war after rehabilitation. He was repeatedly awarded medals and honors. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Artem continued to defend Ukraine from the occupiers. As part of the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion of Kyiv, he participated in the defense of the capital and the Kyiv region. The officer commanded the 1st company. After the liberation of the region, their unit headed to Kharkiv. In May, the officer was awarded the Order of "For Courage" of the III degree. "For Artem and me, family was always a powerful fortress! Artem respected traditions and family values — he even initiated a family coat of arms. He planned to raise children by his own example — based on patriotism, a strong family, strength of spirit, and faith in a better future! A caring husband, a loving father to his daughters — in family life, Artem took all the responsibility on himself; he was the kind of person that one could rely on like a stone wall. The main life principle of my husband was to ensure the safety of his family. During the 8 months of war, no matter how difficult it was for him, he always answered my questions: 'We'll get through, Sunshine!'. Unfortunately, the war takes the best..." — said the wife of the fallen, Inna. "My commander! Thank you, Artem, for believing in me, inviting me to your company, and trusting me with a platoon. You were always the first! The first to enter new positions before bringing in the personnel, the first to enter enemy positions when we went on the offensive, the first to reach the border! Always in good spirits, always open to communicating with the soldiers. Brother, rest in peace!" — noted comrade Boris Cherkas. "It was an honor for me to serve under Medic's command. Time and again, only a true leader whom people trust can lead into real combat. It is impossible to do this effectively for 8 months solely through orders, especially when your unit consists of volunteers. Artem was exactly that kind of leader and commander that we followed because we trusted him, not just because there was an order," — said comrade Andriy Yudin. "The commander fought and as a man of honor should. Protecting the soldiers from the most dangerous tasks, he carried them out himself or led the advance groups. For his company, he was a good friend to some, and almost a father to others. But for all, he was invariably a leader and protector. His memory will be eternal!" — added comrade Bohdan Yaremenko. The officer was buried at the Alley of Heroes in Berkovetske Cemetery in Kyiv. At home, his wife and two daughters were waiting for Artem.