Oleksandr R. Chapai (Chapa)

Soldier Oleksandr Chapai (call sign Chapa) was killed on July 30, 2022, while performing his official duties in Kharkiv. The life of the defender was cut short by an enemy S-300 missile. In September, he would have turned 21 years old. Oleksandr was born and lived in Kharkiv. He studied at school No. 126. He then transferred to an electromechanical college. He graduated from the Kharkiv Transport Vocational College, but never managed to collect his diploma. He worked in the financial sector. He loved sports and practiced boxing. He had many plans and dreams for life. With the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion in March 2022, he took up the defense of his hometown from the occupiers. He served in the 225th battalion of the 127th separate territorial defense brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He defended Kharkiv region and his hometown. "He was a very bright, cheerful, honest young man who was eager to live and tried to do everything," said the mother of the fallen, Tetiana. "At 20 years old, life is still ahead. The soul craves achievements, and this becomes a push for fateful decisions and actions. Such a conscious choice was made by Oleksandr Chapai in March 2022. He, a 20-year-old young man, volunteered to defend the country, home, and family, which he loved above all! There were plans for university studies, constant care for the family, helping his mother, and looking after his younger sister. He was growing up to be a true man, someone you could rely on, whose words were always truthful, honest, and whose actions were considered. He could solve important life problems and regarded his family responsibilities as sacred. He was a devoted and caring brother who took care of, rocked, and babysat his newborn sister while his mother worked. He could argue his views but never offended anyone. He was determined: when he wanted something, he always achieved it," they wrote on the page of the Kholodnohirskyi district. The young soldier was buried at Kharkiv Cemetery No. 18. Oleksandr is survived by his parents, sister, relatives, friends, and comrades. Posthumously, soldier Oleksandr Chapai was awarded the Order of Courage of the 3rd class.