Oleksandr A. Haranov (GTA)

27-year-old soldier Oleksandr Haronov (call sign GTA) was killed on January 15, 2024 while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. The fighter received fatal injuries during enemy mortar shelling. Oleksandr was born in the city of Brovary, Kyiv region. He graduated from secondary and art schools. After the 9th grade, he mastered the profession of a jeweler at the Kyiv Interregional Center for Jewelry Art. Later, he studied at the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, majoring in Philosophy. He was constantly searching for himself in many areas. Before the invasion, he worked as a tattoo artist and proved himself to be a good specialist, as he had considerable artistic talent. The man did not plan to go into military service, but the full-scale war forced him to change his priorities. In August 2023, he went for training together with his best friend. Later, as part of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov", he went to the front line. He defended the Luhansk region. Oleksandr held the position of a driver, but carried out various combat missions. "He was confident that he would not die, did not fully understand where he was. He kept a diary, which we later read when his belongings were brought back. There he wrote his observations and thoughts, made sketches for future tattoos. It was emotionally difficult for him. He said more than once that he wanted to be transferred, but it became known after his death that he very much wanted to see a psychologist, but did not have time. The war did not have time to change him much. He was killed as cheerful as he was... Our good and sincere Sasha. An unspeakable loss of a bright person, a son, a brother, a best friend who will always support any idea, no matter how adventurous it may be, and will lead to a heartfelt conversation over a cigarette when the soul is heavy. Sasha is a person who radiated warmth and attracted from the first meeting. Our country must remember and honor its heroes, not forget about them! Sasha was such a hero - a wonderful, sincere kind man who was killed defending Ukraine from the enemy! He will be in our hearts forever, our Hero," said the deceased's older sister Kateryna. The "Azov" fighter was buried in the New Cemetery in Brovary. Oleksandr is survived by his parents, sister and brother.