Oleksandr M. Siotka

Soldier Oleksandr Syotka was killed on February 16, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. According to his comrade, he went into battle first and, approaching the enemy's position, took the attack upon himself. His actions allowed the recapture of the occupiers' position and the capture of 8 prisoners. During the assault, Oleksandr sustained a gunshot wound to the head and shrapnel wounds to the body, resulting in his death on the spot. He had just turned 42 years old the day before. Oleksandr was born in the village of Zabuzzhia, Lviv region. He obtained the profession of a carpenter at the Lviv Vocational School. He traveled for work and did odd jobs wherever he could. He was passionate about football, fishing, loved to read, and had a good knowledge of the geography and history of Ukraine. In recent years, he lived in the city of Sokal, Lviv region. During the full-scale war, the man voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He underwent military training in the United Kingdom and later joined the airborne assault troops. He held the position of a grenade launcher gunner in the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade. "He was a great patriot of his country and a supporter of the poetry of Taras Shevchenko. At the front, he raised the morale of his comrades with his verses. Before going into battle, he told his comrades: 'I hope not to repeat the fate of Shevchenko.' Then no one paid attention to his words. But they turned out to be prophetic. He was killed on the second day after his birthday, just like Taras Shevchenko. Then the comrades remembered his last words and were shocked... For us, he is a double Hero who proved it by his actions. He repeatedly said: 'I am ready to die for Ukraine.' He was eager to go to war, saying he could not stand aside when the country was at war. He added that he would never surrender, but would blow himself up together with the enemy. He was very brave and fearless," his comrades say. Sasha was an extraordinarily kind person. He gave his last, although his life was not easy. Brother, dear, I miss you very much. Eternal memory to all the Heroes of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!