Oleksandr H. Truba (Spas)

43-year-old soldier Oleksandr Truba (call sign Spas) was killed on January 24, 2023 at the I. Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital. Two days earlier, he sustained severe multiple shrapnel wounds while carrying out a combat mission in the area of Novobakhmutivka village in Donetsk region. Oleksandr was born and lived in Kyiv. He studied at specialized school No. 149. He graduated from the Kyiv Geological Exploration Technical School. He was engaged in the installation of HVAC systems in private homes, government institutions, and new buildings in Kyiv and Dnipro. At one time, he had a business in this field in the capital. He was the head of a brigade that worked in new buildings in Dnipro. There he acquired a plot of land on which he began to build a house. He planted his favorite roses and a fruit orchard there. He dreamed that his children and grandchildren would come to his house, and his beloved wife would always be nearby. In March 2015, he became a volunteer to defend Ukraine. He participated in the ATO as part of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, holding the position of machine gunner. He fought near Volnovakha in Donetsk region: in the villages of Bohdanivka, Starohnativka, Hranitne. He held the defense near Mariupol. He took part in the assault on the village of Bilokamyanka in August 2015. After a year of service, he was demobilized. In March 2022, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine again. This time he served in the 45th Separate Rifle Battalion. Shortly before his death, he took the position of commander of the anti-tank platoon. "He was a patriot and always stood on the side of truth and justice. There were many plans for further joint family life with the 'only beloved', as he called me. But February 24, 2022 changed everything. Oleksandr, without hesitation, went back to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Before that, he financially supported all employees and relatives who were leaving Kyiv with their families. All his life he supported those who had it harder, forgetting about himself. And then, in February 2022, he didn't think about himself. He had one obligation - to protect Ukraine. 'If not me, then who?' he said. Comrades-in-arms said that he bravely held on, having received a severe wound, and despite the unbearable pain, helped as much as he could those who were fighting. Both in civilian life and in service, he always said: 'Everything will be fine!' Oleksandr was a loving husband, caring father, good son, and faithful friend. We planned to have children together. But... I am grateful to him for the happy years of our life together. I am infinitely proud of him!" - said the wife of the fallen Olga. The hero was buried at the Berkovets cemetery in Kyiv. The defender left behind a loving wife, children, parents, a sister, many friends and colleagues. Posthumously, Oleksandr Truba was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.