Honoring the Memory of Roman Petriv
Ukrainian defender Roman Petriv, who gave his life for Ukraine's freedom and independence, was killed on March 20, 2026. His death is a profound loss for his family, friends, and the entire nation. Petriv was born on August 27, 1975, in Lviv, where he attended Lyceum No. 75 named after Lesya Ukrainka. He continued his education at the Separate Structural Subdivision of the Automobile and Road Technical College, part of the Lviv Polytechnic National University.
After completing his compulsory military service, Petriv worked as a plumber for a separate unit of the Lviv Mechanized Loading and Unloading Works Division of the State Territorial and Sectoral Association Lviv Railway. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he immediately stepped forward to defend his country. Roman Petriv fought for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty as a soldier in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces. He served on multiple critical fronts, including:
- the Kherson axis
- the Mykolaiv axis
- the Donetsk axis
- the Southern Slobozhanskyi axis
- the Kursk axis
- the Northern Slobozhanskyi axis
For his courage and valor, Roman Petriv was awarded the Ukrainian Presidential Badge 'For the Defense of Ukraine' and the Ministry of Defense's 'Cross of Valor' medal. His funeral services were held on March 26, 2026, at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Maksymovycha Street, 2B, and at the Garrison Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Lviv. The farewell continued at his family home at 9 Shevchenko Street in the village of Novosilky, Zolochiv district, and at the local Church of St. Nicholas. Roman Petriv was laid to rest in the local cemetery of Novosilky village.
He is survived by his brothers, a nephew, and other family members. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and respected him. The 80th Air Assault Brigade, known as the 'Galician' Brigade, has been involved in some of the war's most intense fighting since 2014.
The death of Roman Petriv symbolizes the immense sacrifice made by Ukrainian defenders in the struggle for their nation's independence.
His bravery and service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the war demonstrate the deep patriotic sentiment that unites countless Ukrainians. Remembering heroes like Roman helps preserve the history of the people's struggle and resilience during these difficult times.
As the nation mourns the loss of Roman Petriv, it's important to remember that he is not the only hero to have made the ultimate sacrifice. Recently, the community in Rivne paid tribute to another fallen defender, Yuriy Melnyk, who succumbed to illness after bravely serving his country. These stories serve as a reminder of the countless lives impacted by the ongoing conflict and the sacrifices made by those who stand for Ukraine's freedom.