The Bravery of Oleksandr Zalevskyi
Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Zalevskyi, call sign Bronya, passed away on November 29, 2023, after suffering severe wounds during combat near the village of Yampil in Donetsk Oblast. He was 31 years old, born on June 2, 1992, in the settlement of Nova Borova in Zhytomyr Oblast, where he spent his childhood. This loss highlights the ongoing toll on Ukraine's defenders in the eastern frontlines.
Zalevskyi moved to Zhytomyr with his mother and completed vocational training as a welder at a local technical lyceum. In 2012, after finishing his mandatory military service, he signed a contract and joined the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade. Starting in 2014, he fought in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone, including near Luhansk. After his contract ended, he worked for Nova Poshta in Zhytomyr before returning to military duty.
Service and Remembrance
During Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zalevskyi served in the 1st Presidential Operational Brigade 'Bureviy' of the National Guard of Ukraine. Initially stationed near Vyshhorod, he was later deployed to the Lyman front, where he sustained an injury. Following rehabilitation, he returned to the battlefield to continue his duty as a defender.
Zalevskyi was laid to rest in his hometown of Nova Borova in Zhytomyrshchyna. His mother, Yulia Stanislavivna, shared memories of her son:
“Sasha fought for 10 years. All those years, I saw him off and welcomed him back. Every time my heart ached, but he always returned. I still feel like he’ll come back, as he always did.”She also noted that his commanders spoke of him as an experienced soldier and hero, but to her, he was first and always her son.
Every morning at 9 a.m., Ukrainians observe a moment of silence for all those whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. Today, we remember Oleksandr Zalevskyi, a hero who gave his life for Ukraine’s independence. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew and respected him.
Zalevskyi’s death serves as a stark reminder of the price Ukrainian soldiers pay in the fight for their country’s sovereignty. His life and service reflect the dedication of thousands of Ukrainians who risk their lives daily on the frontlines. Remembering heroes like Oleksandr helps sustain the nation’s morale and honors their contributions to defending the homeland.
The sacrifices made by Ukrainian defenders are profound, as illustrated by the story of another brave soldier, Oleksii Shumylo, who was listed as missing for nearly a year before his tragic fate was revealed. His journey, marked by courage and resilience, resonates deeply with the ongoing struggles faced by those serving on the frontlines. To learn more about Oleksii's story and the impact of his service, read about his experiences here.