Oleksandr V. Yakymenko (Yakym)

Soldier Oleksandr Yakymenko (call sign Yakym) was killed on December 16, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region. The defender was 35 years old. Oleksandr was born in the village of Ladan, Chernihiv region. However, he lived in the village of Zhuravka. After graduating from the 11th grade of Zhuravska School named after H.F. Voronyi, he studied at the Ladan branch of Pryluky Vocational and Technical Lyceum No. 34. He obtained the profession of a welder. He served his compulsory military service. In 2014-2015, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. On February 24, 2022, the man was mobilized to the guard company of the Pryluky Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support. Later, he was transferred to the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of a mortar squad member. "Sasha was a very good person, son, brother, friend, comrade, and companion. He will forever remain such for us, because there are very few like him. Sasha gave everything for us, for a free Ukraine and peace, he gave his life, having so many plans and unfulfilled dreams. He bravely fulfilled his duty as a citizen of Ukraine," said his close friend Valentyna Ilienko. The warrior was buried in the village of Zhuravka, Chernihiv region. Oleksandr is survived by his mother, sister, nephew, other relatives, friends, and comrades.