Oleksandr O. Pradun (Tykhyi)

Lieutenant Oleksandr Pradun (call sign Tikhyi) was killed on November 25, 2022, as a result of enemy artillery shelling while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Novosilske in the Luhansk region. The officer was 28 years old. Oleksandr was born in the city of Novyi Buh, Mykolaiv region. He spent his childhood in the village of Zahalna Koryst. He graduated from the Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding, obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering. During his studies, he completed the military department and received the rank of junior lieutenant. He lived in Mykolaiv and worked as a sales representative. He played football. During his student years, he was engaged in mixed martial arts at the "MMA Club Mykolaiv", competed in tournaments in Ukraine, and won prizes. In the last year before the war, he planned to start his own business. During the full-scale war, Oleksandr defended Ukraine from the occupiers. At first, he was in the local territorial defense, and then joined the ranks of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Otaman Ivan Sirko. He commanded a platoon. "This is an irreparable loss for the family and all who knew Sasha. People like him are very few. He was a man of honor, a true man, a devoted warrior of Ukraine. From the very first day of the full-scale war, he stood up to defend Ukraine. At first, he was in a volunteer formation in his hometown. In early April, he was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine as an officer. He never thought about whether he should go, he always said: 'Who, if not me, will defend my land?' Despite his young age, in a short period of time, he became not just a commander, but a mentor, a wise comrade, an authority, and for some - the best friend and brother for his comrades-in-arms. My husband loved life. He wanted to accomplish so much and made plans for years to come, even there, in the very hell of war. But, unfortunately, the enemy shell does not ask about plans. Sasha stood to the last in defense of his family, his country, and gave his life for the freedom of Ukraine - such sacrifices must never be forgotten," said the officer's wife, Anastasia. "A true Ukrainian warrior of goodness, strength and justice, a patriot, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, calm and balanced, purposeful and strong in spirit and body, a person of extraordinary inner beauty, gave his life for Ukraine," noted the Novyi Buh Lyceum, where the fallen hero stuwas killed. The hero was buried in the cemetery in the village of Zahalna Koryst in the Mykolaiv region. Oleksandr is survived by his wife, mother, sister and grandmother.