Oleksandr V. Vaseruk (Bulka)

Senior Soldier Oleksandr Vaseruk (call sign Bulka) was killed on November 27, 2023 while performing his duties in the area of the village of Preobrazhenska, Zaporizhzhia region. The defender was 39 years old. Oleksandr was a native of the village of Zarichne, Rivne region. In 2001, he graduated from the local school. In 2014-2020, he worked at the Zarichnensky Forestry Enterprise as a stacker. Later, he went to work, mainly in construction. He was fond of fishing, hunting, and computer games (especially the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series). He read books and was interested in history. He loved to listen to music. Everything he did in civilian life, he did to the sound of music. During the full-scale invasion, the man defended his country from the occupiers in the ranks of the 117th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of master-number of the mortar crew of the mortar platoon of the mortar battery. He was awarded the "Golden Cross" distinction. "He was the master-number of the mortar crew and helped me level the sight when aiming. In order for the weapon to hit the target, it was necessary to level it as much as possible. There were bubbles, like on a construction level. When he had everything ready, he would shout: 'Bulka'. This meant that we were ready to fire and that the weapon was standing exactly. That's how he got his call sign," recalled the fallen comrade's comrade with the call sign Vanyushin. "Dad was the kind of person who could improve everyone's mood, even though he himself could be in sorrow. Once I fell into despair, and he said this phrase: 'Never be afraid of anything.' These words became my motto. He was always ready to help, never abandoned anyone in trouble and had golden hands that could do anything. You need to do something - dad is already doing something and says: 'What are you standing for? Let's help.' When you start a dialogue with dad, it feels like your best friend, with whom you can discuss any topic. Family was priority number 1 in dad's life. When dad was home, I was sure that everything was fine. We miss him very much. Thank you, dad, for everything I have in life," said the defender's son Dmytro. Oleksandr was buried in his native village. The warrior is survived by his mother, wife and two sons.