Senior Lieutenant Mykhailo Shchava Dies in Combat
Senior Lieutenant Mykhailo Shchava, known by his call sign Anubis, was killed on September 7, 2025, during a hostile mortar attack in the village of Kamyanka, Kharkiv region. He was just 22 years old at the time of his death. Born on June 13, 2003, in the city of Berezan, Kyiv region, Shchava graduated from the Chernihiv Lyceum with enhanced military and physical training before enrolling at the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy. He earned his diploma and the rank of lieutenant in the summer of 2024.
Following his studies, Shchava took command of a tank platoon in the 3rd Separate Heavy Mechanized Iron Brigade. After six months of service, he was promoted to senior lieutenant. He sustained an injury during combat operations but returned to duty after treatment. For his bravery, he was awarded the 'Brave Heart' medal by the commander of the Operational-Tactical Group 'Kharkiv'.
Remembering Mykhailo Shchava
His mother, Liudmyla Melnykova, expressed her grief, stating:
“I lost my only son, who was 22 years old. The war has shattered my heart and my hope for a bright future.” - Liudmyla Melnykova
Shchava’s comrades remember him as 'young, fiery, ambitious. Sometimes simply unstoppable…'
Mykhailo Shchava was laid to rest on the Alley of Heroes in his hometown, leaving behind his mother, grandmother, uncle, cousins, and sister. Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were claimed by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today, we remember Mykhailo Shchava.
The death of Senior Lieutenant Mykhailo Shchava is another tragic example of the losses Ukraine endures due to the war. His story underscores not only the heroism of young soldiers fighting for their country but also the deep pain felt by families who have lost loved ones. The memory of heroes like Mykhailo continues to live on in the hearts of Ukrainians, who daily honor their sacrifice in the struggle for peace and freedom.
The loss of Senior Lieutenant Mykhailo Shchava is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers in the ongoing conflict. Similarly, the story of another brave serviceman, Paratrooper Gorokh, who was missing for ten months before being confirmed dead, highlights the enduring struggle faced by families and comrades as they cope with the uncertainty and grief of war.