Serhii A. Mrachkovskyi (Mrachnyi)

Captain Serhii Mrachkovskyi (call sign Mrachnyi) was killed on August 16, 2023, while performing a combat mission in the Krasnohorivka area in Donetsk region. During the evacuation of the wounded, he received a fatal mine-explosive injury as a result of enemy shelling. The officer was forever 28 years old. Serhii was born in Pereschepyne, Dnipropetrovsk region. He obtained the profession of a locksmith and driver at the Pereschepyne Vocational Lyceum. Later, he graduated from the Faculty of Training Specialists in Military Intelligence and Special Operations of the Military Academy in Odesa. After the war, he wanted to open his own security agency. Since 2014, the man has participated in the ATO, passing through many hot spots. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree. Then he served under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, repeatedly awarded for special merits in the defense of the Motherland. He underwent international military training "Sea Breeze". During the full-scale invasion, Serhii defended Ukraine as part of the 35th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyy. He was the deputy commander of the 1st battalion. He fought in Mykolaiv, Kherson and Donetsk regions. During this period, the officer became a knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the III and II degrees. "He worked almost around the clock, never afraid to take responsibility and make important decisions, stood up for his guys, was always too fair, honest, hated lies, always went first and led others. Smiling and sincere, brave and courageous, had a goal and always knew what he wanted... He was fearless, went to the very hell - where others refused to go, for him it was not just a job, but life! Other lives were more valuable than his own, and this is a fact, he went on all combat missions together with his subordinates... Serhii's spiritual strength amazed everyone. If he was nearby, no one was afraid of anything and completed the task 100%. For him, there were no positions, he never hid behind them, always worried about everyone and everything, not even once was he on normal leave since the beginning of the war... He inspired those around him with his courage and will, tried to make everyone a little happier, helped all his acquaintances, lent a shoulder in any situation... Strong leadership qualities were so beautifully combined in him with compassion and warmth..." - the hero's relatives said. The marine was buried on the Alley of Heroes of the Western Cemetery in Odesa. Serhii is survived by his mother, close ones, relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms.