Yaroslav Namisnyak Passes Away
Yaroslav Namisnyak, a veteran of both the Soviet-Afghan War and Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, died in a Lviv military hospital on February 2, 2026. His death came less than a year after his son, Volodymyr, was killed in action on the Pokrovsk front in March 2025, a devastating double tragedy for the family. Namisnyak was born on July 8, 1967, in the city of Sambir. He completed his education at Sambir's Secondary School No. 4 (now Gymnasium No. 4) before continuing his studies at a technical college in Lviv.
Military Service
Namisnyak first saw combat as a participant in the war in Afghanistan. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, he answered the call again, joining the 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade named after Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky on April 15, 2022. From June 2022, he fought on the Sloviansk front, taking part in the liberation of Izyum and Kupiansk, and later served in the Kursk region. During his service, he initially served in a reconnaissance platoon before transferring to a rifle company.
For his dedication, Yaroslav Namisnyak was awarded the 'For Service to the Homeland' medal and officially recognized as a combat veteran. Due to a concussion and deteriorating health, he was transferred to serve in his hometown of Sambir from October 2024. Following his death, he was buried with full military honors at the Memorial to the Heroes of Ukraine in Sambir. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a brother.
His passing underscores the profound and lasting toll the war has taken on Ukrainian families across generations. Many veterans returning from the front lines face significant challenges, including physical injuries and psychological trauma that complicate their reintegration into civilian life. Honoring the memory of heroes like Namisnyak is crucial for acknowledging their sacrifice and supporting their loved ones through immense hardship.