Death of Yurii Cherhinets
Senior soldier Yurii Cherhinets, 41, known by the call sign 'Ukrop,' passed away in a hospital on September 7, 2023. He sustained injuries in the Kharkiv region, specifically on July 12, 2023, near the village of Dvorichna, during a mortar attack. The attack caused a shrapnel wound to his head, leaving him in a coma for nearly a month.
Life and Military Service
Yurii Cherhinets was born in the village of Khrestivka, Kherson region, where he attended the Khrestivka comprehensive school (grades I-III) and later completed vocational training. In civilian life, he worked as a builder and security guard. In 2015, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation, followed by the Joint Forces Operation. He served in the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Roman, holding the position of machine gunner in a machine gun platoon. He fought in battles for:
- Mar'yanka
- Shchastia
- Krymske
- Novotoshkivka
- Popasna
- Talakivka
- Soledar
- Vuhledar
- Sievierodonetsk
- Kupiansk
After his death, Yurii Cherhinets was buried at the Alley of Glory in Lisovyi Cemetery in Kyiv. He is survived by his mother, sister, wife Anna, and two children.
The fallen soldier's wife expressed profound grief over the loss: 'Yurii dedicated eight years of his life to military service, giving his soul and body for our freedom. He believed it was every man's duty to defend our land, our homes, and our lives for a bright future for our children. He was a bright and kind person, a wonderful husband and loving father, and a pillar of support for his family, friends, and comrades.'
Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. The Commander-in-Chief also joins in a moment of silence, paying tribute to fallen heroes like Yurii Cherhinets. His sacrifice, along with that of many others, underscores the price of the freedom for which the Ukrainian people are fighting.
The death of Yurii Cherhinets stands as another stark reminder of the tragic toll of the war in Ukraine, which claims lives and causes immense losses among military personnel and their families. Honoring the fallen through daily moments of silence highlights the importance of remembrance and unity in times of war. This event also serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by Ukrainian soldiers defending their country from aggression.
The tragedy of Yurii Cherhinets is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many in the ongoing conflict. Similarly, the memory of those who have fallen for Ukraine is honored, as seen in the recent commemoration of Hero of Ukraine Yurii Kovalchuk, who would have celebrated his 28th birthday today. These stories of bravery and loss resonate deeply within the nation, reflecting the enduring spirit of those who serve.