Oleksandr O. Solomenko (Aleks)

51-year-old soldier Oleksandr Solomenko (call sign Alex) was killed on September 12, 2022 in battles with the occupiers near the village of Spirne in Donetsk region. Oleksandr was born in Kyiv. He obtained the profession of tower crane driver at vocational school No. 22. He worked as an auto mechanic, could repair any car and everything in the house, as he had golden hands. He loved his granddaughter very much, whom he called "sunshine", and spent all his free time with her. He loved animals, especially dogs. During the full-scale war, Oleksandr joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend his native country from the enemy. He held the position of rifleman. "Sasha was very generous - he spared nothing for his relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms. Sensitive, always ready to help, he thought of himself last, constantly saying that he had everything and needed nothing, so as not to worry. He said he was healthy, nothing hurt, nothing bothered him, but in reality, through pain and injuries, he went on, refusing treatment, because there was not enough time for it. So I took all the medicines from your first aid kit that were passed on to you. Very kind and trusting, sometimes people took advantage of this, because Sasha did not refuse help," said his wife Natalia. "Oleksandr Oleksiyovych was a loving husband, father and wonderful grandfather. From the first days of the full-scale war, he went as a volunteer, because he wanted his grandchildren to live in a free and peaceful Ukraine. Our whole family is in mourning, and the only thing we want is to bury our hero with dignity," said his daughter-in-law Anastasia. Oleksandr is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and beloved dog Sam.