Death of Mykhailo Malkush
A serviceman from the Azov Brigade, Mykhailo Malkush, has been killed in the Donetsk region. He held the title of International Master of Sport in powerlifting. The tragic event occurred on October 30, 2025, near the city of Pokrovsk.
Athletic Career and Military Service
Born in the Volyn region on September 13, 1996, Malkush graduated from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and worked as a software developer. On the international stage, he represented the city of Lutsk, where he trained under coach Oleh Khomyak. In 2018, he became European champion in the under-59 kg weight class and set a European junior record. He also earned medals at junior world championships and won numerous international and national tournaments. One of his standout achievements was setting a national record at the Ukraine Cup in Kolomyia with a bench press of 190 kilograms.
Military service became a defining chapter in Malkush’s life. He joined the defense of Ukraine in 2022, following the start of the full-scale invasion. At the time of his death, he held the rank of senior soldier. Mykhailo Malkush was laid to rest in the military section of the Lutsk city cemetery.
His death is a profound loss for his family, friends, and the sports community. His contributions to powerlifting and his military service highlight the dedication and courage he demonstrated throughout his life. This tragedy once again underscores the harsh realities on the eastern front in Ukraine and the sacrifices made by those defending the country, often at the ultimate cost.