Oleksandr S. Bondarenko (Hruzchyk)

Soldier Oleksandr Bondarenko (call sign Gruzchyk) was killed on February 11, 2023 near the city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region as a result of a direct hit by an enemy shell on a medical vehicle. Four other Ukrainian fighters were killed with him. The warrior was 32 years old. Oleksandr was born in the village of Staryi Saltiv in the Kharkiv region. Since 2001, he lived in the village of Shevchenkove in the Kharkiv region. He graduated from the Kharkiv Computer and Technology College of the National Technical University "KhPI". In civilian life, he was a worker. "Oleksandr was very hardworking, constantly tried to work, also helped the people around him with employment. From the first days of the war, he helped the students of the dormitory where he lived during his studies, supported everyone, delivered drinking water and food, stood watch, and also equipped a bomb shelter for students and anyone who needed help," said the deceased's relatives. On April 23, 2022, the man joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Initially, he defended the Kharkiv region as part of the special unit "Kraken" of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. And on August 10, 2022, he was transferred to the 227th battalion of the 127th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Oleksandr was fair and friendly, provided assistance to those in need, and defended the truth at any cost. He went to the army as a volunteer, because he could not stand aside. We miss him very much..." added his brother Valerii. The defender was buried in the village of Shevchenkove in the Kharkiv region. Oleksandr is survived by his mother and brother. Posthumously, soldier Oleksandr Bondarenko was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.