Oleksandr Yu. Pokolodnyi (Did)

Soldier Oleksandr Pokolodnyi (call sign Grandfather) was killed on September 19, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Verkhnyokamyanske in the Donetsk region. The warrior was 57 years old. Oleksandr was born and lived in Kharkiv. He studied at school No. 79. In 1984–1986, he served in Afghanistan, holding the position of deputy platoon commander. He was awarded for his bravery and courage. In civilian life, he worked as a repair mechanic at the Kharkiv Coke Plant. He was engaged in sports. He loved to read books in his free time. During the full-scale war, the man fought for the Motherland in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa. He held the position of operator-electrician. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he defended the Donetsk region. "Father was strong and courageous. He always helped those who asked. He was the soul of the company - this is how everyone who knew him speaks of him. He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and brother. He took care of his loved ones. Dad, I still can't believe you're gone, that I'll never be able to hug you and talk to you again. Thank you for everything you've done for me. You will be forever in my heart and my thoughts. I will remember and love you until my last breath. May the Kingdom of Heaven be yours, eternal memory and deep bow. You are our protector, our Hero, and Heroes never die!" - wrote the deceased's daughter Alina. The military was buried in his hometown. Oleksandr is survived by his daughters Alina and Maryna, son Maksym, grandchildren Kamila and Vladyslav, and niece Tetiana.