The Death of Anton Polyukhovich
Ukrainian serviceman Anton Polyukhovich, a 25-year-old known by his call sign 'Umnіk' (Smart One), was killed in action. He served in the 'Jesus Christ Company,' a unit of the volunteer 'Brotherhood' Battalion, which operates under the Main Directorate of Intelligence. Born on September 8, 2000, in the village of Sernyky, within the Zarichne community of the Rivne region, Anton was a university student before Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
His combat record included raids across the Kakhovka Reservoir, where his unit neutralized an enemy reconnaissance squad and captured two opposing fighters. Demonstrating his skill early in his service with 'Brotherhood,' he successfully took a prisoner during his first missions. For his bravery, he was awarded the 'For Courage' medal and promoted to a command position. One of his significant operations involved leading a group rotation 8 kilometers deep into enemy-controlled territory.
Remembering Anton
His fellow soldiers remember Anton as a kind soul, a churchgoer, a fan of Ukrainian rock music, and tabletop games during downtime. They describe him as a thoughtful, fearless, and quiet warrior on the battlefield. In his own words, Anton expressed his faith and purpose:
'I wanted to be grateful to Jesus Christ for what He has done, for the state of soul He instilled in me. Based on this gratitude, I wanted to do something concrete and be of use. You cannot describe the feeling when you are in your place and are an instrument in God's hand. It is happiness, joy, energy.'
A funeral service for Anton Polyukhovich was held on April 7 at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv. Following the ceremony, a farewell tribute took place on Independence Square, where his comrades honored his memory. 'Our brother with the call sign Umnіk fell on the battlefield. Umnіk joined the Jesus Christ Company, inspired by the mission of the Brotherhood and the desire to protect those he loved,' his fellow servicemen stated.
His death is a loss not only to his family and friends but also to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where he stood as an example of courage and dedication. The 'Brotherhood' Battalion is one of several volunteer units that have played a crucial role in Ukraine's defense since 2014. His service underscores the significant role such volunteer formations play in modern conflicts, where individuals are often driven by a profound sense of duty to defend their homeland. This tragic event highlights the heavy price many Ukrainians continue to pay in the struggle for their nation's independence and security.
As the nation mourns the loss of Anton Polyukhovich, it is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many veterans. Recently, another Ukrainian veteran, who bravely served in two wars, passed away unexpectedly at home, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by those who have served. To learn more about the challenges veterans encounter after their service, read about the recent passing of a veteran from the ATO and full-scale war here.