Matvii L. Levchuk (Lev)

26-year-old border guard Matviy Levchuk (call sign Lion) was killed on April 26, 2022, while performing a combat mission in Donetsk region. During the enemy shelling near the village of Solodke, the defender received fatal injuries. A mine hit his trench. Matviy was born in Khmelnytskyi region. After school, he graduated as an electric welder from Krasnokutskyi Agricultural College. Then he stu "Management" at Mariupol State University but had an incomplete higher education. In 2016, he served in the army. He loved spending time in nature with friends, was fond of fishing, and engaged in sports. He adored animals and was interested in growing indoor plants. Since 2017, he had served under contract in the Mostyskyi Border Guard Unit. He performed combat tasks in the area of the ATO/OOS in Donetsk region. During the full-scale war, he served as a machine gunner in the Donetsk Border Guard Unit. He defended Donetsk region. "Matviy was very brave, courageous, and friendly. During military service, he risked his life more than once, always helping his relatives and loved ones. A significant part of his life, my brother devoted to service, and it is impossible to describe how patriotic he was. Matviy loved life very much, always made big plans for the future, wanted to start a family and engage in household chores in comfort and peace, but unfortunately, the war cut short all his dreams and plans. Shortly before his death, he said: 'We hold on till the end, we do not retreat, because the guys need help. One for all and all for one, then Ukraine will win,'" said the hero's sister, Alona. "My son, my dear, my darling, wake up, do not leave me. You pity your dear little mother And the soul's pain will pass with time. Son, do you hear, do not go I love you so much, I am out of my mind. You are very dear to all of us Wake up, touch me with your hands. He does not revive, he does not speak, son. He just lies crowned with flowers. They carry him. They lay him next to other graves For a blessed sleep for centuries…", wrote his mother, Valentyna, in a poem to her son. Matviy was buried in the town of Krasnokutsk, Kharkiv region. The defender left behind his parents, two sisters, and his beloved girlfriend. Staff Sergeant Matviy Levchuk was posthumously awarded the "Cossack Cross" III degree and the Order "For Courage" III degree.