Oleh S. Kristiev (Bolharyn)

Defender of Mariupol, Junior Lieutenant Oleg Krystiev (call sign Bulgarian) was killed on May 8, 2022, during the defense of the Azovstal plant as a result of an enemy airstrike. The warrior was forever 29 years old. Oleg was born in Dnipro. He stuwas killed at the local school No. 17. He then entered a technical school, mastering the profession of a welder. He obtained higher education as an aircraft designer at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute. He loved to engage in the restoration of wooden parts of a Mercedes. He dreamed of doing this professionally and having a related business. For some time, he worked on the railway. In 2011, he was drafted for compulsory military service, which he completed in the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade. When the Russo-Ukrainian war began in 2014, Oleg could not stay at home. He sought to defend his homeland, so in 2015 he joined the Azov Regiment. Since then, he lived in Mariupol, where the military unit was stationed. He participated in battles in Donbas. He constantly improved his military skills. He held the position of a sniper. During the full-scale invasion, Bulgarian, along with his comrades, met in Mariupol. From the first days, their unit bravely defended the city from the occupiers. During his service, the warrior was repeatedly awarded honors. In particular, in March 2022, he was awarded the Order of Courage III degree, and posthumously — the Order of Courage II degree. “Olezhechka was the best thing that ever happened to me. He was a very caring man, the best friend, and just a wonderful person. I am grateful for his support, for loving me as I am. He always supported and protected me. I miss him very much, as do his parents,” said the wife of the fallen hero, Kateryna. The officer was buried at the Krasnopil Cemetery in his hometown. Oleg is survived by his parents and wife.