Yevhen P. Smoliakov (Oihen)

Soldier Yevhen Smolyakov (call sign Oigen) was killed on May 8, 2022, defending Mariupol in the Donetsk region. After fierce battles, the entire garrison was surrounded on the territory of the Azovstal plant. The occupiers attacked the city around the clock with all types of weapons - from water, land and air. During the day, they dropped a super-heavy aerial bomb on the plant's bunker. The defender was 46 years old. Yevhen was born in Oleksandriia, Kirovohrad region. He spent his childhood and youth there. He received secondary vocational education. He lived in Kharkiv. In civilian life, he worked in a printing house. He adored music, nature, from which he drew inspiration. He loved animals, and they loved him. He could ride a bicycle all day. He also liked flowers. His love for the beautiful was passed on to him from his mother. He was an active participant in actions for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Yevhen took up the defense of the Motherland back in 2014, joining the special purpose unit "Azov". In 2019, he decided to join its ranks again, ending up in the anti-aircraft missile artillery division. "Yevhen was always smiling, bright, strong and tender at the same time. At first glance, he seemed like a reckless person, but very attentive to details, he kept everything under control. The soul of the company: when he appeared, everything around seemed to be lit up by his smile. He was genuine, without pathos, just as he was. He was lucky to meet like-minded people in his life, who then became his comrades-in-arms. He was impossible to stop if Yevhen wanted something and had inner convictions about it. There was a strength from him that was impossible to refuse," said his beloved Oksana Yehorova. The defender was buried in the military cemetery in Oleksandriia. At home, his parents, brother, son and beloved were waiting for Yevhen. Yevhen Smolyakov was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.