Dmytro H. Arkaniuk (Arkan)

Sergeant Dmytro Arkaniuk (call sign Arkan) was killed on February 9, 2023, while performing a combat mission near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The warrior was 24 years old. Dmytro was born in the village of Meleshkiv, Vinnytsia region. In 2013, he entered the Vinnytsia Medical College. After studying, he went to work abroad. In 2018, he served in the army in Kharkiv and decided to connect his life with the army. He signed a contract with the National Guard of Ukraine. He took part in the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas. During the full-scale Russian invasion, Dmytro continued to serve in the ranks of the National Guard. He was a combat medic in the 3rd Brigade of Special Purpose named after Colonel Petro Bolbochan. From the first days of the great war, he performed his duties and did everything for the victory over the occupiers. "My Dima was a very bright and kind person. He always cared for everyone, supported them, he radiated positivity and a passion for life. He is the person who showed me how to be loved, desired, important. He always supported me, especially in writing poems, he loved them very much. Dima is the only one who influenced me so strongly, changed me for the better. He is my sun, my heart, my most important person. When I looked at him, communicated with him, it seemed to me that this person is eternal and that such a terrible tragedy cannot happen. I still remember that terrible, terrible evening when I learned of his death. We planned so much, and I intend to do everything, because I know that this is what he would have wanted. I believe that now Dima is my guardian angel. It is a great honor and pride for me to know our Hero and Defender personally. I love you very much, my sunshine," wrote the deceased's beloved Ruslana. The warrior was buried in his native village. Dmytro is survived by his parents, grandmother, brother, aunt, and beloved girlfriend.