Marine Roman Napryahlo Killed While Rescuing a Comrade in Donetsk Region

A Tragic Loss in Ukraine

According to Главком: On February 26, 2017, a devastating incident occurred in Ukraine when sailor Roman Napryahlo lost his life. He died en route to a hospital after attempting to pull a wounded fellow soldier from enemy fire near the village of Talakivka in the Donetsk region. Roman was struck by a sniper's bullet while trying to save his comrade. The defender was only 20 years old at the time of his death.

Roman Napryahlo’s Life and Military Service

Roman Napryahlo was born on February 14, 1997, in the city of Sloviansk, Donetsk region. After completing nine grades at Secondary School No. 7 in 2012, he graduated in 2016 from the Sloviansk Professional College of the National Aviation University, specializing in 'Design, Manufacturing, and Technical Maintenance of Electronic Products.'

During the occupation of Sloviansk in 2014, Roman held a firm pro-Ukrainian stance and was an active member of the All-Ukrainian Youth Public Organization 'Sokil.'

Starting in the summer of 2016, Roman served under contract in the 1st Separate Marine Battalion named after Kostiantyn Olshansky, part of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynsky. From autumn 2016, he participated in the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine, serving as a grenade launcher operator.

His heroism was evident during his final combat mission, where he died while rescuing a brother-in-arms from a sniper's bullet near Mariupol, Donetsk region.

Posthumously, Roman Napryahlo was awarded the Order 'For Courage' III degree and the President of Ukraine's decoration 'For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation.' He was buried at the Northern Cemetery in Sloviansk. The defender is survived by his parents and sister. Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed this information, highlighting the significance of Roman's feat for Ukraine.

The death of Roman Napryahlo stands as another testament to the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers who risk their lives daily on the front lines defending their country. Honoring the memory of the fallen, such as Roman, not only preserves their sacrifice in the nation's memory but also underscores the price Ukraine pays in its struggle for independence and territorial integrity. This tragedy evokes deep emotions and emphasizes the importance of supporting the families of fallen heroes.

The sacrifices of military personnel often extend beyond the battlefield, as seen in the recent case of another marine who tragically passed away shortly after a significant life event. His story sheds light on the emotional and physical toll faced by those serving in the armed forces. To learn more about this heartbreaking incident, read about how a marine succumbed to a heart attack just one day after purchasing a new home here.