Taras A. Yuzviak (Yuta)

Fighter Taras Yuzvyak (call sign Yuta) was killed on October 21, 2022, during an enemy mortar shelling near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The defender was 42 years old. Taras was born in the village of Krupeць in the Rivne region. He studied at the Krupeць secondary school. After the 9th grade, he entered the Kremenets Forestry Technical College and later continued his studies at the National Forestry Technical University. For some time, he worked in forestry. Over time, he became interested in car repair, which he pursued later in life. In 2014-2015, he participated in the ATO in Donbas. With the onset of the full-scale war, Taras rejoined the ranks of Ukraine's defenders. He served in the 214th separate special battalion "OPFOR." He was a second-category sniper in the sniper unit. "You were always cheerful, attentive, kind, sincere, wanting to do so much for us and for people, never refusing to help anyone... You were real... How to learn to live without you? I was always with you and behind you. I couldn't imagine and don't want to imagine my life without you. The best memories are only with you... You were the best husband, father, son, brother, friend... You lived for us and for us, gave your life. Now we live for you, in memory of you... We remember, love, and miss you endlessly... You will always be in our hearts, in our memories, in our thoughts..." wrote the warrior's wife, Oksana. "Taras was a participant in the anti-terrorist operation in 2014-2015. He served in the 128th separate mountain infantry brigade, fought in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. He participated in resisting Russian aggression since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, carrying out combat missions near Bakhmut. He defended Ukraine with honor, dreamed of victory, and did everything to dignify resist the enemy," said the fallen soldier's niece, Kristina. The warrior was buried in his native village. Taras is survived by his parents, younger sister, wife, son, relatives, and friends.