Oleksandr V. Kozyrka

23-year-old Oleksandr Kozyrka was killed in action on February 26, 2022, during an enemy missile strike on a military unit in the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region. On that day, his older brother Andrii also perished alongside him. Oleksandr was born in the village of Chupakhivka, Sumy region. After finishing school, he trained as a locomotive assistant at the Poltava Transport Vocational College. When the Russo-Ukrainian war began in 2014, the young man went to the front with his older brother. Later, Oleksandr signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He participated in the ATO/OOS in Donbas for four years. He then returned home and worked as a driver at a bread factory. On the first day of the full-scale war, Oleksandr and Andrii went back to the recruitment office to rejoin the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They served and together as soldiers of the 91st Separate Brigade of Operational Purpose of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Initially, the brothers were buried in the Alley of Glory in Okhtyrka under numbers, as it was impossible to identify the bodies. Three months later, after receiving the DNA results, they were reburied in their native village. “Oleksandr Kozyrka and Andrii Kozyrka — brothers, warriors, sons, fathers! Now the boys rest at home... They were brave warriors, defending their native country; they gave the most precious thing — their lives... They did not hide, did not fear, but fought bravely and courageously until their last breath... We will never forgive! We will avenge you, our comrades!” — stated in the military unit. “Eternal peace to the heroes. You were so kind, thoughtful, and serious. It was so nice to communicate with you. Light memory to you and your brother. Sincere condolences to the relatives and loved ones. I know it is hard to live after death if it wasn't you who ...,” wrote Valentyna Yurasova. Oleksandr is survived by his parents and son. Soldier Oleksandr Kozyrka was posthumously awarded the Order of “For Courage” of the III degree.