Bohdan M. Stakhov (Muson)

25-year-old Junior Sergeant Bohdan Stakhov (call sign Muson) was killed on October 13, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Pidstepne in the Kherson region. During the enemy tank shelling, he received a penetrating shrapnel wound. Bohdan was from the Vinnytsia region. He lived in Vinnytsia. He graduated from the Vinnytsia National Agrarian University with a degree in "Horticulture and Viticulture," obtaining the qualification of an agronomist. However, he worked in construction. He was passionate about metal detector searches. During the full-scale war, in November 2022, he joined the ranks of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 38th Separate Marine Brigade. He was the commander of a sniper squad. "I am the wife of the fallen defender of Ukraine, my beloved husband, the kindest person I have ever met. He was always smiling, always came to help everyone, and never remained aloof," said Yulia Kostiuk. "Bohdan bravely fulfilled his duty as a citizen of Ukraine. He was desperately eager to go and defend our Ukraine. He said: 'I am the oldest in the family. Who, if not me, will go to defend Ukraine?' But due to his young age, he did not immediately manage to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but he persistently pursued his goal. On November 1, 2022, he voluntarily went and signed a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Until his last breath, he was faithful to his comrades-in-arms and the state. While in the zones of active combat operations, he never complained that it was difficult for him, on the contrary, he tried to support everyone, convincing them that everything would be fine. Bohdan's commander spoke of him this way: 'Every soldier is a warrior, but not every soldier can be a warrior. Bohdan was a true warrior. We should be proud that such a warrior protected us.' The whole family and friends are proud of Bohdan, he gave his young life, having so many plans and unfulfilled dreams, for us, for a free Ukraine and peace," his relatives wrote. The marine was buried in the village of Mala Bila in the Vinnytsia region. At home, his wife, relatives, and friends were waiting for him.