Oleksandr R. Filon (Virnyi)

Sergeant Alexander Filon (call sign Faithful) was killed on June 28, 2023 in battle with the occupiers near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. In July, the warrior would have turned 26 years old. Alexander was born in the city of Kovel, Volyn region. In 2019, he graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of the Lesya Ukrainka East European National University. He was a public activist and a participant in the Revolution of Dignity. In 2015-2016, he fought in the ATO in Donbas as part of the "Azov" regiment. At that time, he was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree. When he returned, he worked as a trainer in hand-to-hand combat in the sports club "Sich". He was also the head of the NGO "Civil Corps "AZOV" Kovel" and the head of the Kovel branch of the political party "National Corps". In 2019, he founded and headed the "VATRA" Proper Space. Since February 24, 2022, Alexander served in the ranks of the Territorial Defense, with which he signed a contract even before the start of the full-scale invasion. Later, he was transferred to the National Guard of Ukraine. He fought as part of the 3rd separate assault brigade. He commanded the "Wolf Pack" unit. He performed complex combat missions and successfully destroyed the enemy. "I never thought I would write this text. My closest person, my support and pillar, was killed in battle. There will be no more people like this, worthy of their land. You was killed defending our state so that we could live. You were a worthy commander, conscientiously performing your duties. We planned so much: children, finishing the renovation, going on a honeymoon. You didn't even hesitate, you went a second time on February 24. You were the dearest and most precious thing I had. And now there are only memories and your things left. I write this and I don't want to believe it. I was most afraid of this call. My kindred soul, you understood me like no one else, always supported me, were by my side, even if you were far away, I always felt it. We remember, we will avenge," wrote the wife of the fallen hero, Anna. The hero was buried in the Alley of Heroes of the city cemetery in his native Kovel. At home, Alexander was awaited by his wife, relatives, close ones and many friends.