Roman A. Shpytko (Patriot)

24-year-old senior lieutenant Roman Shpitko (call sign Patriot) was killed on March 12, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission near the city of Popasna in the Luhansk region. The officer was hit by enemy artillery fire and sustained fatal injuries. Roman was born in the village of Birky in the Lviv region. He stu at the local school. From a young age, he dreamed of a military career. In 2015, he entered the National Academy of Land Forces named after Hetman Peter Sahaidachny in Lviv, graduating with honors. Since 2019, the young officer served in the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Daniel. He commanded a motorized infantry company. He fought in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas. From the first days of the full-scale war, Roman, along with his unit, defended Luhansk region from the occupiers. “The best and loving man. He was a kind and bright person. Always with a very sincere smile, smart, hardworking. He had many plans and dreams for the future. He was never indifferent to his hard work. A wise commander and a professional in his field. A shining example of courage and patriotism. We cannot believe that he is no longer with us. I am still waiting for his return. He was my Universe. This pain will never fade...,” said the wife of the fallen warrior, Victoria. The officer was buried in his native village. At home, Roman was awaited by his mother Halyna, brother Andrii, and wife Victoria. Posthumously, senior lieutenant Roman Shpitko was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi III degree and the Order of “For Courage” III degree. A memorial plaque in his honor was unveiled at the school he graduated from.