Oleksandr A. Shvydkyi (Karamaz)

47-year-old soldier Oleksandr Shvydkyi (call sign Karamazov) was killed on April 10, 2023 near the settlement of Dibrova in Luhansk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he came under enemy mortar fire and received fatal injuries. Oleksandr was born in Kyiv. He graduated from Vocational School No. 7, where he mastered the profession of aircraft assembler and mechanic. He was passionate about car repair and worked at the KVESTO service station. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, he joined the ranks of volunteers and stood to defend Kyiv. He served in the 244th battalion of the 112th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After the defense of the Kyiv region, he took part in the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, later his battalion controlled the border with Russia in Vovchansk, and after rotation he fought in the Luhansk region. "My husband grew up without a father, loved his family very much, was a good host, respected others, and always came to help those who called. He loved to spend days with his family the most, and also to repair cars - this was not only his hobby, but also the meaning of his life," said Olena Shvydka. Oleksandr was buried at the Berkovetsky cemetery in the capital. He left behind a wife, son and daughter. The defender was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.