Mykola M. Pylypchuk (Shef)

30-year-old paratrooper Mykola Pylypchuk (call sign Chef) was killed near the village of Dolyna in Donetsk Oblast on Independence Day, August 24, 2022. Mykola was born in the village of Levkiv, Zhytomyr Oblast. He studied at the local school. He then graduated from Zhytomyr Vocational School No. 13 and obtained the profession of a welder. In 2012, he joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine and was appointed as an instructor-dog handler. On July 27, 2022, he signed a contract for service in the 1st battalion of the 95th separate air assault brigade. Junior Sergeant Mykola Pylypchuk was a grenadier. However, he did not have the chance to serve even a month in the new brigade. Chef was killed in battles near the city of Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast. "A caring son, the best brother, a cheerful and reliable friend. A worthy and devoted son of his Homeland," describes the defender his cousin Kateryna Pylypchuk. "Until the end of his young life, he remained faithful to his military oath, family, and Ukraine... In the memory of his parents and friends, Mykola Pylypchuk will forever remain a caring son, a cheerful and reliable friend, a brave and fearless warrior," noted the Hlybochytsia community. The defender was buried in his native village in Zhytomyr Oblast. His parents were waiting for him at home.