Vasyl I. Yakovliev (Chapai)

37-year-old Junior Sergeant Vasyl Yakovliev (call sign Chapaev) was killed on April 6, 2023, in the area of Bakhmut, Donetsk region. During the evacuation of wounded comrades, he came under artillery fire and received fatal injuries. Vasyl was born in the village of Bohuslav, Dnipropetrovsk region. He completed his secondary education at the local school. He then mastered the profession of a miner at the Ternivskyi Mining Lyceum. He lived in the city of Pavlohrad. He worked as a sales representative and later became a miner. For over 10 years, he was a miner at the "Zakhidno-Donbaska" mine. In 2014-2016, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). He fought in the ranks of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade. He held the position of commander of the staff vehicle platoon in the communications center. After mobilization in 2022, he defended the Motherland as part of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar". He held the position of medical orderly driver. According to his comrades, Vasyl was a skilled and courageous warrior, respected and authoritative, his energy and determination charged and united the team. He was sincere, open, friendly, and a reliable comrade, always trying to smile and encourage everyone, and help in everything. He was buried in his native village. At home, Vasyl was awaited by his parents, four sisters, wife, and daughter. Posthumously, the defender was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.