Oleksandr O. Zahynaichenko (Sanych)

Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Zahynaychenko (call sign Sanych) was killed on April 7, 2022, while defending the city of Vuhledar in Donetsk region. Around 5:00 AM, in the area of Mykil'ske village, the enemy attempted a tank assault on the positions of Ukrainian defenders. A battle began. After 4 hours of unsuccessful attempts, the occupiers started to retreat, covering themselves with tanks. Shells hit the position where three friends were, including Oleksandr Zahynaychenko. They all died. In May, Oleksandr would have turned 50 years old. He was born and lived in Mykolaiv. He received a secondary education. He served for over 20 years in the fire departments of his hometown. In 2014, he participated in the ATO in Donbas. He then returned to service in the Ministry of Emergency Situations. His last place of work was the State Specialized Mine Rescue Unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, meeting with friends, and going outdoors. On February 24, 2022, he went to the military enlistment office, eager to protect his homeland. Initially, he was assigned to the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and then to the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh. He held the position of commander of a motorized infantry squad and went back to Donbas. "Prevent, rescue, help" was the motto of the Ministry of Emergency Situations; Sashko lived by this principle. When the Maidan began, he watched the events unfold with great concern. In March 2014, he managed to get a summons from the military enlistment office and was incredibly happy about it. Then there were Kharkiv, Debaltseve, Popasna, and Vrubivka. At that time, the most desired words were: "Everything is fine, no losses." And the most motivating for me were: "Understand, I have children here, what will I tell their mothers?" He was proud that everyone returned home alive. Again, peaceful Mykolaiv. He returned to service in one of the Ministry of Emergency Situations units. Again, his beloved fishing, gatherings with friends, trips to the forest, and to the sea. Sashenka never refused to help; he was a good brother, friend, and the life of the party. He planned to build a house, live a peaceful, fulfilling life, and travel. There was still so much interesting ahead that he had not yet seen. And then came the terrible morning of February 24, 2022. Without hesitation, he voluntarily went to the military enlistment office. Friends from the ATO times were already waiting because there is such a profession — to defend the homeland, because real men do. The words: "Everything is fine, no losses" were no longer there. They were encircled... but they got out. The guys trusted and relied on Sanych, and he took care of them. Just, strong, free, and unconquered, cruel and kind, witty and caring. This is how we will remember Sanych," said the wife of the fallen, Tetiana. The defender was buried at the Korabelne Cemetery in his hometown of Mykolaiv, next to two friends. At home, his brother and wife were waiting for him. Posthumously, Oleksandr Zahynaychenko was awarded the Order of Courage III degree.