Oleksandr A. Opanasyk (Proekt)

Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Opanasik (call sign Project) was killed on October 31, 2022, while performing a combat mission near the village of Spirne in Donetsk region. On September 18, the warrior turned 37 years old. Oleksandr was born in the town of Dubrovytsia in Rivne region. He graduated from the National University of Water Management and Nature Management in Rivne, where he earned a degree as a hydromelioration engineer. He also completed a military department at the university and received the rank of lieutenant. He worked at the Rivne State Design Institute. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing. In 2015-2016, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). On April 7, 2022, he returned to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and once again took up the defense of his homeland. Oleksandr served in the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa. He commanded a company. Together with his comrades, he defended Donetsk region from the occupiers. "He was always balanced, calm, fair, and thought about others before himself," described the fallen soldier by his wife Lydia. The officer was buried in the village of Vysotsk in Rivne region. At home, his parents and wife were waiting for Oleksandr. Posthumously, the hero was awarded the Order of Courage III class.