Mykola M. Zakharchuk (Zakhar)

Soldier Mykola Zakharchuk (call sign Zakhar) was killed on October 1, 2022 while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Sukhyi Stavok in the Kherson region. The warrior was 50 years old. Mykola was born in the village of Rokytne, Rivne region. At the age of 4, he moved with his family to the village of Mali Kopani in the Kherson region. He studied at the local school. He served his military service. In 1996, he graduated from the Chernihiv Police School. After graduation, he went to work as an investigator in the Baryshiv district department of the Kyiv region. Two years later, he was transferred to the UBOZ department in Kherson. Later, he went to work as an investigator in the district department. Then he was transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He retired with the rank of captain. After that, he worked as a lawyer: first in a bank, and later he had his own practice. He was a member of the public organization "Cossack Society "Kherson Sich". During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man served in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought as part of the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade named after the Kosh Otaman Kost Hordiienko. He was the deputy commander of a combat vehicle, a gunner-operator. At first, he defended the Luhansk region, and later - the Kherson region. "When asked why he was here, Mykola replied: 'Because I am of such a kind. If my 80-year-old father were alive, he would also defend his native country at the forefront. How else? This is my land, this is where I was born, this is where I live. I have something and someone to protect... The time will come when grandchildren will ask: what did I do when there was a war? I will definitely have something to tell them. It's difficult, scary, but I know for what we must finish this war with a victory for Ukraine... The war should not affect the next generations, so that our children and grandchildren never feel its horror.' He never remained aloof in difficult situations, tried to help with a deed or a precise piece of advice. He always preferred to fight for justice. He did not lose optimism and a sense of humor. He was a model of wisdom, indomitability and devotion to his cause. He had many plans: he dreamed of seeing his grandchildren, returning to a normal life in peaceful Ukraine. But his fate was cut short during an enemy artillery barrage as he tried to free his home from the occupiers..." - the widow of the fallen soldier said. The serviceman was buried in the Alley of Heroes of the Matveevsky Cemetery in Mykolaiv. At home, Mykola was awaited by his wife, daughter, son, brother and three sisters.