Yurii M. Makhniuk (Koval)

23-year-old junior lieutenant Yuriy Makhnyuk died in a hospital in Lviv on October 10, 2022. On September 1, he sustained a severe shrapnel injury to the head in a battle near Soledar in the Donetsk region. The officer was in a coma. Doctors tried to save him, but the warrior's heart stopped. Yuriy was born in the city of Kovel in the Volyn region. He graduated from the local school No. 9. He then stu at the Kovel Industrial and Economic College. Later, he enrolled in the Lutsk National Technical University. He held the position of technology engineer at the international company "Modern-Expo." During the full-scale Russian invasion in March 2022, Yuriy was mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 93rd separate mechanized brigade "Kholodny Yaru." He fought in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk directions. "I still can't believe, brother, that you are no longer here. With tears in my eyes, I write these words, remembering how kind, selfless, the best, and most loyal friend and brother you were. I would love to hear your voice once more, to see your smile that warmed the soul, but fate had its way. Even in school, Yura stood out from others with his kindness and modesty. He was always humane and defended others. We have been friends for 15 years. Yura never refused to help, even when it would have harmed him. He was always diligent in his studies, helped and respected his parents, and loved his friends. Even on the front lines, Yura tried to stay positive; he calmed his loved ones, even though he needed it himself. I always remember him smiling. He loved life and knew how to live. He was the life of the party, knowing how to cheer people up. He told me, 'Vadymich, don't worry, we'll get through this.' It seemed like such a simple phrase, but coming from him, it sounded like a soothing balm. He was the best, a golden friend. Yurich will remain forever in our hearts; we will miss him dearly, this pain will never fade, we will not forget and will not forgive. Rest in peace, my dear friend, may you have eternal rest in Heaven! P.S. Pray for his soul, for he gave his life for you!" said Vadym, a schoolmate of the fallen officer. The officer was buried at the Alley of Heroes in his hometown of Kovel. At home, his parents, sister, and friends were waiting for the defender.