Oleksandr M. Morhushka (Yakym)

Sergeant Oleksandr Morhushka (call sign Yakym) was killed on December 22, 2023, during a mortar attack near the settlement of Dibrova in Luhansk Oblast. The defender was 48 years old. Oleksandr was from the village of Velyka Vilshanka in Kyiv Oblast. He completed 8 grades of the local school. He dreamed of becoming a footballer. In 1993, he went to the army. After completing his service, he returned to his native village, where he met a girl named Halyna, whom he later married. Later, he moved to Kyiv. He worked mainly in the repair and construction industry. During the full-scale war, in December 2022, Oleksandr voluntarily took up the defense of Ukraine. He fought in the Donetsk and Luhansk directions as part of the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of rifleman - grenade launcher assistant. "He was a good son, the best husband and father, as well as a loving brother and a reliable friend. He loved his two daughters, Anya and Yanochka, the most in his life. Dad became an example for many young men, inspiring them with his charisma and sincerity... In early May 2023, in the battles for Bakhmut, he repeatedly called fire on himself, risking his life to save the lives of his comrades-in-arms. He will forever remain a hero for everyone," said his daughter Yana Kovryzhenko. Oleksandr was buried in his native village. The warrior is survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, two brothers, two sisters, nephews, nieces and other relatives.