Oleksandr O. Zubar

56-year-old soldier Oleksandr Zubar died on October 7, 2022, in a hospital in the city of Rivne. Three months earlier, on July 3, he sustained mine-explosive and burn injuries while performing official duties in the area of the village of Verkhnokamianske in Donetsk region. Oleksandr Zubar was born in the village of Butove, Luhansk region. He stu at Butivska Secondary School. After finishing the 8th grade, he continued his education at Starobilsk Vocational School No. 93, where he acquired the profession of gas-electric welder and plumber. From 1984 to 1986, he served in the military. After demobilization, he worked at the enterprise "Vtorchermet" in the city of Starobilsk. He loved agriculture, growing vegetable and grain crops. He was a passionate patriot. He was a member of the organization "East and West Together." At the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, he stood up to defend Ukraine. Initially, he joined the Starobilsk self-defense forces, and later the "Aidar" battalion. He participated in the liberation of the town of Novoaidar and the city of Shchastia in Luhansk region, defending positions near the city of Zolote. In 2015, he was awarded a commemorative medal "For the Defense of Shchastia," a medal "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation," and a badge from the "Aidar" battalion. With the onset of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr returned to service. In the first days, he joined the Starobilsk Territorial Defense. He served in the 119th battalion of the 111th separate brigade of territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with his comrades, he defended Donetsk and his native Luhansk region from Russian occupiers. "Dad was fair, always stood up for the truth and defended those who were right. A very kind and bright person, he could give his all for the good of others. He never complained about anything — everything was always fine with him, no matter what happened," said the daughter of the fallen, Margarita. Oleksandr was buried at the Alley of Glory in the "Nove" cemetery in Rivne. Oleksandr is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and other relatives, friends, and comrades. The defender was awarded the medal "For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine" by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. In 2023, the hero was posthumously awarded the title of "Honored Citizen of the City of Rivne."