Petro V. Babak (Barber)

Soldier Petro Babak (call sign Barber) was killed on May 24, 2023, near the village of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained fatal injuries as a result of a direct hit by an enemy shell in a dugout. The defender was forever 25 years old. Petro was born in the village of Voroblyachyn, Lviv region. In 2015, he graduated from the Novoyavorivsk Higher Vocational School, obtaining the profession of a cook-confectioner. He worked as a sous-chef at the Lviv restaurant "NOA". He loved sushi, traveled a lot, and was engaged in sports. He loved life, music, and music festivals. He was passionate about nature and often went hiking in the mountains. During the full-scale Russian invasion, in May 2022, Petro joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend his native country. He served in the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He was a senior rifleman, performing the duties of a squad leader. He defended the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "He was a patriot of his country. A strong, brave, courageous defender. Petro remained faithful to the military oath until the end. His comrades-in-arms say that Barber was the core and soul of the company," said the deceased's cousin, Olena Varenitsa. "Petryk was bright, sincere, and reliable. He was always ready to help, and his friends and family remembered him as a loyal comrade, a fearless warrior, and a wonderful person," said his friend Oksana Melnyk. "Petro was the best friend to me, he was a very positive, sunny, open, brave, kind, honest, dedicated, charismatic person. He will forever remain in my memory as such, my Hero!" added Nadiia Melnyk. The serviceman was buried in his native village. Petro is survived by his parents, brother, sister, relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms.