Oleksandr V. Melnikov (Dushman)

Oleksandr Melnikov (call sign Dushman), a serviceman, was killed on April 1, 2022, while repelling an enemy attack near the village of Rozdolne in the Donetsk region. The warrior was forever 25 years old. "We arrived at the site to consolidate, and about half an hour later the enemy began to advance, shielding themselves with heavy armored vehicles, firing everything they had. The battle was very difficult and bloody. Then many of my comrades-in-arms fell. I was seriously wounded. Dushman ran up to me and lifted me up, trying to drag me away with my comrades-in-arms. Then he gave me a drink and told me to lie down and not move, and he and the guys returned to the battlefield to repel the enemy. He did everything and even more to defend the Motherland, a desperate patriot with a huge strength of spirit. He was killed singing the anthem of Ukraine in the face of the enemy. Such as Dushman are few. He was killed a Hero..." - said the fallen's comrade-in-arms with the call sign Banshchyk. Oleksandr was born in the village of Mariyivka, Zaporizhia region. He graduated from school there. In 2012, he entered the Zaporizhia Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport, where he obtained the profession of a locomotive driver's assistant. During his studies, he worked part-time, took night shifts in a store, and stocked shelves to have his own money and help his mother. Despite the heavy workload, he graduated very well and was assigned to the Zaporizhstal Metallurgical Plant. In the spring of 2017, he was drafted for military service. He returned home in the fall of 2018. He went to work abroad, but did not like it, so he came back home. He returned to his former job, where he worked until the start of the full-scale war. For some time, the man was engaged in the Ukrainian martial art of Spas, participated in competitions, and received diplomas and medals. Then he became interested in painting. He loved all animals, from kittens to wild ducks, and could give his last money for their treatment. But he loved his nephews the most - he cared for them, looked after them, and gave them gifts, and they adored him too. He dreamed of starting a family and raising a daughter. At the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Oleksandr was on vacation. He went to the military enlistment office as a volunteer, without telling his relatives. On February 27, 2022, he was already enlisted in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He ended up in the newly formed 6th separate rifle battalion, which consisted of volunteers from the Zaporizhia region. He held the position of senior rifleman in the rifle platoon of the rifle company. "My brother is the best person I know. I have always been proud of him and always will be. Very smart, with an excellent memory, he learned everything easily. He never discussed or condemned anyone, only good words, support and help could be obtained from him. He combined so much kindness, love, understanding and at the same time courage, bravery and strength of spirit - all this was embodied in a wonderful person. He was a true friend. Everyone who knew Sasha loved and respected him. Our Sasha would have been the best husband and father, faithful, loving, caring... To lose him is such a grief for us that no words can convey. The world has become empty. Time has passed, and I still can't imagine life without him... I will do everything so that my children know everything, remember and be proud of their uncle-Hero," shared the warrior's elder sister, Viktoria Agayeva. The hero is buried in his native village. Oleksandr is survived by his mother, sister, nephews, other relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms. Oleksandr Melnikov was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage, 3rd degree.