Serhii I. Starodub (SKIF)

38-year-old soldier Serhii Starodub (call sign SKIF) was killed on August 10, 2023, while repelling an enemy assault in the Avdiivka area in Donetsk region. He was wounded but remained in position. His actions saved the lives of six comrades, but he suffered a fatal mine blast injury. Serhii was born and lived in the village of Kotelva, Poltava region. He studied at a vocational school to become a drilling assistant. He then completed further training at a technical school. He worked in this profession in civilian life. His last job was at the Poltava Drilling Company. He loved fishing and nature. He devoted his free time to his family. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, the man joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after General-Lieutenant Marko Bezruchko. He held the position of senior rifleman-operator. "Serhii was a very open and sincere person, he loved the truth, and was very dedicated in any matter. Before the last sortie, he talked about the trust of his comrades in him, which was especially important to him. He always offered his support and help, even to strangers in need," said the wife of the fallen soldier. Serhii was buried in his native village. He is survived by his wife Oksana, daughter Anastasia, and son Makar. The military posthumously awarded him the Medal "For Military Service to Ukraine."