Oleksandr V. Kotiuk (Dembel)

Soldier Oleksandr Kotiuk (call sign Dembol) was killed on December 12, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission near the city of Soledar in the Donetsk region. In 15 days, the defender would have turned 54 years old. Oleksandr was born in the city of Dubno, Rivne region. He lived in the village of Klevanj. He studied there at school No. 2. Then he worked at the Klevanj District Hospital named after Mykhailo Vervega. He raised two daughters and already played with his grandchildren, whom he adored, and dreamed that they would live in an independent and free country. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man went to defend Ukraine from the occupiers, joining the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 15th separate mountain assault battalion of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. "My father will forever be a Hero for me. He always taught me to love the Motherland, so without hesitation, he went to defend it. He is remembered as cheerful and kind. He never refused anyone, helped everyone who asked for it. He was a loving grandfather and the best dad," said the deceased Oleksandr's daughter. The defender was buried in the village of Klevanj. Oleksandr is survived by his parents, two daughters, and two grandchildren.