Final Text Message from Fallen Ex-Lawmaker Oleh Barna to His Son Before Death

The Death of Oleh Barna

According to Главком: On April 17, former parliament member and soldier Oleh Barna was killed near Vuhledar. He was 56 years old at the time of his death. Born on April 18, 1967, Barna served in the military from 1985 to 1987. Before 2014, he worked as a teacher of mathematics, physics, computer science, and pre-conscription training in schools in the Ternopil region. After the conflict in Ukraine began in 2015, he described the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) as a full-scale war with Russia.

Military Service and Final Hours

During the full-scale invasion, Barna served as an assistant grenadier with the rank of senior sergeant in the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush. He was among the first to volunteer for a group tasked with storming Russian positions.

In his final hours, Barna sent a text message to his son Andriy at 8:39 AM. Andriy recounted those last moments:

'It was on April 17, just before they went out on the mission. The message came in at 8:39 AM. And the last photo on my dad's phone was taken at 9:37 AM - he took a selfie in his helmet, right before heading into the trenches. I get the feeling that my dad sensed something.'

Barna's final message included a wish for his son:

'Have the wedding no matter what. Keep pursuing the lawsuits to clear the name. Good luck.'

These words highlight his spirit and resilience even amid war. News of Barna's death was reported on the Pryamiy TV channel program and by Glavkom.

Barna's death is yet another reminder of the losses Ukraine endures during this war. As a former deputy and soldier, he left a significant mark on society, and his last words reflect deep personal values and devotion to family. This also underscores the courage of those who continue to fight for the country's independence, often sacrificing their own lives for the future of others.