Yaroslav D. Buchko

Soldier Yaroslav Buchko was killed on September 6, 2023 from a gunshot wound received near the city of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region. The warrior was 49 years old. Yaroslav was born in the village of Sloboda-Bolechivska, Ivano-Frankivsk region. After finishing school, he served in the military, was a mechanic-driver of the Buk anti-aircraft missile system. In 1995 he married his beloved Lesya, and later they had two children: daughter Diana and son Anatoly. In 2001, Yaroslav graduated from NGDU "Nadvirnaftogas", obtaining the profession of assistant driller. He worked in the oil industry, and later became a repair mechanic. Colleagues remember him as a true professional in his field. He had many friends, was passionate about football and knew almost everything about this sport. On February 24, 2022, when the first missiles tore through the peaceful Ukrainian sky, Yaroslav voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and joined the ranks of the 214th battalion "OPFOR". He underwent training in the village of Starichi in the Lviv region. Later, he carried out combat missions in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions. On February 20, 2023, the warrior was sent to the forward positions of the Bakhmut direction, where he held the position of a mechanic-radio operator of the control department of the communications headquarters. "For mom, dad was a reliable support and support, for us with my brother - a worthy example. Strength, indomitability, struggle, protection, respect, dignity, honor, support - these are the words that are etched in the soul with a living memory of the dearest person to me. About the one who was everything: a father, a friend, a protector, a mentor, a mentor. Honor and justice for dad were not just words, but a life credo. In the most difficult moments, despite the fact that the phone was shaking from the sounds of explosions, he found time every day for a short telephone conversation with us and had separate words of comfort and support for each. His unquenchable optimism gave hope and faith in a bright future without war, in victory. The Hero forever left memories of eternally burning eyes, a warm smile and one unread "Dad," said daughter Diana. "Our unit, like all of Ukraine, lost one of the best. The one who courageously went to fight for his country. We carried out combat missions side by side for 6 months, and I can say that Yaroslav was a wonderful person, a good friend and a soldier. Heroes do not die, they remain forever in the hearts of comrades-in-arms, relatives and loved ones," wrote his comrade-in-arms about the warrior. The defender was buried in his native village. Yaroslav is survived by his wife, daughter and son.