Yana M. Rykhlitska (Yara)

Yana Rykhlitska (call sign Yara), a combat medic, was killedon March 3, 2023, during the evacuation of the wounded near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. She did not live to see her 30th birthday. Yana was born in the Khmilnytskyi region. In 2015, she graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Law of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. She was actively involved in sports during her student years, winning prizes in sambo and judo competitions. She later became a candidate for the title of Master of Sports in these sports. After graduation, she lived in Kharkiv and worked in the IT field. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Yana first engaged in volunteer activities, and in May she joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She was a combat medic in the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar". She saved her comrades-in-arms in hot spots. Her comrades called her the "angel of the soldiers" and the "girl with pigtails". "A very responsible and talented person. She could always be relied upon. Yana's acquaintances claim that she was able to save dozens of lives of our defenders and civilians. She was a bright person and willingly shared this light with everyone," the university where the girl studied noted. "Yana was my friend. A friend and remained, but she is no longer there. In my mind, this news still has nothing to do with reality. In our last correspondence, I asked her to take care of herself. I had never written this to her before. A stupid feeling. She said that we would take care of ourselves, because there were still a lot of plans ahead. Yana was talented and intelligent. Both academically and in life. She was truly kind and honest. She had everything to build a worthy and successful future not in war, but she quietly, without loud statements and speeches, gave us all of herself and her life. Thank you. I was honored to be your comrade," wrote her friend Vladyslav. "You inspired us with your tireless volunteer activities, your optimism and good intentions not to stop and help the military. At the call of the soul, you went as a volunteer and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. You were closer to your own, your bright soul saved lives. And you still continued to volunteer. An incredible woman! Thank you for this time together, for all the saved lives, for the things we did as a team, for your desire to win, for your faith in our warriors and Ukraine! You are a HERO. We are proud and love you deeply! We hug you, angel!" - from friends Vova, Ksyu and Maks. The servicewoman was buried on the Alley of Heroes in Vinnytsia. Yana is survived by her parents and her beloved.