Pavlo M. Pokidko (Pryluky)

Senior Lieutenant Pavlo Pokidko was killed on May 2, 2023 near the village of Vodiane in the Donetsk region. While performing a combat mission, he received fatal injuries during enemy artillery shelling. He would have turned 52 years old on May 20. Pavlo was born in the city of Ichnia, Chernihiv region. He lived in the city of Pryluki. There he studied at school No. 1. Then he graduated from the Sumy Higher Military Artillery School. He served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 11 years. Then he worked at the Chernihivnaftogaz oil and gas production department. In his free time, he loved to do some crafting, painting, and sewing leather goods. In 2020, the man decided to return to the military and signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians. He participated in the Joint Forces Operation. At the time of the full-scale invasion, he was the commander of an anti-tank missile system platoon. "Dad is the meaning of my life, a role model. A very hardworking person who had a talent for everything. In addition, he adored animals, which he rescued from the frontline cities under shelling, and found owners for them. The most sincere person, a loving father not only for his family, but also for his wards. Comrades-in-arms considered him their second father, as he always came to help. That's how he ended up under fire, running to save his guys... I will never forget his sincere smile and warm hugs," said Kateryna Pokidko. The officer was buried in the Alley of Heroes in the city of Pryluki, Chernihiv region. Pavlo is survived by his parents, wife, daughter, son and grandson.