Oleh S. Zhdanov (Budda)

Junior Sergeant Oleg Zhdanov (call sign Buddha) died from a mine-explosion injury on October 30, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the settlement of Dvorychna in the Kharkiv region. He was 53 years old. Oleg was born in the city of Krasnoturinsk (Russia) but lived in the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk region since childhood, where he spent his entire life. He was a professional metallurgist and worked for 30 years at the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant. In his free time, he enjoyed books and loved to read. During the full-scale war, Oleg defended the country in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was the head of the radio station at the field communication node. "My father was an honest, sincere, and fair person in life. He faithfully fulfilled his duty. I believe he is a hero because he gave his life for the country," said the son of the deceased. "Oleg Zhdanov was the flower of our nation and gave his priceless life defending his family, Ukraine, and all of us from the Russian aggressor," noted the comrades of the defender. The serviceman was buried at the Alley of Glory in Nikopol. Oleg is survived by two sons.