Petro P. Protsyk (ReRa)

Senior sailor Petro Protsyk (call sign ReRa) was killed on February 28, 2024 near the Tenderivska Kosa island in the Kherson region. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he covered the withdrawal of other boats in the group at the cost of his own life. In April, the warrior would have turned 39 years old. Petro was born in the city of Poltava. He obtained the profession of agricultural machinery engineer at the Poltava State Agrarian University. After completing his studies, he worked at the UGV-Service branch of Ukrgasvydobuvannya JSC, holding the position of a mechanic. He lived with his family in the village of Opishnya in the Poltava region. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he joined the ranks of the volunteer formation of the Opishnya territorial community. In October 2022, he was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He joined the 73rd Marine Special Operations Center, taking the position of a machine gunner. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he carried out combat missions and participated in extremely complex operations in the Black Sea. For his service, Petro received a number of awards, including the Order of Courage of the III degree and the "Golden Cross" badge. "My husband was a devoted patriot, a loving husband, a good father, courageous, brave, wise, strong, and prudent. He was able to control his actions and emotions. He had the respect and authority of his comrades-in-arms and commanders," said his wife Inna. The warrior was buried in the cemetery in the village of Opishnya. Petro is survived by his mother, wife, son, daughter, and two brothers.