Taras O. Zhupynas

Taras Olegovych Zhupinas was born on August 9, 1994, in the village of Bilozir'ya, Cherkasy district, Cherkasy region. After finishing 11 grades at Bilozirsk Secondary School I–III degrees, he began studying at the Cherkasy Professional Road Transport College. After completing his studies, he was drafted into military service in the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporizhzhia Cossacks. From May 1, 2014, to November 1, 2017, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. During his conscription and contract service, he took part in battles for the Avdiivka industrial zone and the battles for Savur-Mohyla. After his contract ended, he left the Armed Forces of Ukraine and began civilian life. He passed the entrance exams for part-time studies at Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University. He worked and tried to start his own business. On February 24, 2022, he took up the defense of his homeland. He participated in the defense of Kyiv as part of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade. He held the position of commander of the combat vehicle of the BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launcher of the 1st reactive artillery battery of the brigade artillery group of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade. He was killed on March 20, 2022, during the defense of Kyiv. He was buried in his native village.