Valerii A. Smahlov

40-year-old soldier Valeriy Smaglov was killed in action on March 11, 2022, in a battle with the occupiers near the city of Okhtyrka in the Sumy region. The defender sustained fatal shrapnel wounds to the chest during shelling from "Grads." Many of his comrades also perished alongside him. Valeriy was born in Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk region. He lived in the settlement of Meliorativne. After obtaining his education, he worked for 7 years at "Nova Poshta" as a section specialist at the terminal in Dnipro. According to his colleagues, he was responsible and did everything without complaints. He had good relationships with everyone in the team, was liked by all, and did not conflict with anyone. In 2021, the man decided to join the army and signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodny Yar." He was a gunner of the "Pion" system. From the first days of the invasion, he defended Ukraine from Russian occupiers alongside his comrades. "He wanted to join the army himself in November 2021. He told me about it first. I don't even know why he decided that way. We all tried to dissuade him; his mother didn't want to let him go at all. But he went anyway. I knew I wouldn't be able to influence him. It was his decision, and he had already made it. Like all twins, we are a bit different. I have a more complex character, while he is good-natured, wouldn't hurt a fly. On March 11, Valeriy , and the next morning we were already given the 'death notice.' During the time he was at the front, we only communicated twice, and he wasn't allowed to talk," said the deceased's brother. "We will remember and love you always! You will forever remain in our hearts. You gave me a part of yourself! You are our Hero! Rest in peace. A wonderful father of my son has ! And we can't believe it, our heart and soul ache. We mourn! We hope that in heaven, it's good, nothing hurts, and you are resting from everything. Be our guardian angel! Eternal memory to you. You will always be in our hearts!" wrote his ex-wife Lyudmyla. Posthumously, Valeriy Smaglov was awarded the rank of senior soldier. The warrior was buried in his native Dnipropetrovsk region. Valeriy is survived by his twin brother, wife, and two sons.