Mykhailo D. Matsiletskyi (Bucha)

Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Matsiletskyi (call sign Bucha) was killed on August 29, 2022, in battle with the occupiers near the settlement of Stepova Dolyna in the Mykolaiv region. In September, the defender would have turned 40 years old. Mykhailo was from the village of Vovchyk in the Vinnytsia region. After completing secondary education, he worked as a combine harvester assistant. In 2000-2002, he served in the border troops of Ukraine. After his service, he got married and lived with his family in the city of Bucha, Kyiv region. He worked as a master carpenter in Kyiv. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the man found himself in occupation. After some time, he left through a green corridor to his native village. After sending his children abroad, he went to defend the future of his family and the country. On March 31, 2022, Mykhailo became a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the ranks of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign. He held the position of commander of a combat vehicle - squad commander. On August 29, 2022, during the performance of a combat mission in the Mykolaiv region, he went missing. After 11 months of searching and waiting, the defender's body was brought to his native village. On August 13, 2023, he was buried. "Mykhailo's death reminds us of the enormous contribution and bravery of those who protect our freedom and security. We are proud of our Hero. Mykhailo was a true warrior, a patriot, an example of indomitability and strength of spirit. He wanted his daughters and relatives to live in a wonderful country," said the deceased's wife Natalia. Mykhailo is survived by his parents, wife, two daughters, relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms.