Comrades Recall Scout Dragon's Final Battle Near Bakhmut

Remembering Oleksandr Popov

According to Главком: Oleksandr Popov, a Ukrainian defender known by the call sign Dragon, was killed on August 6, 2022, during combat operations in the Bakhmut direction. His death was announced by the Right Sector Volunteer Ukrainian Corps (DUK PS) on its Facebook page. Popov embodied courage and dedication to the Ukrainian cause, leaving a lasting mark on the fight for the country's independence.

Life and Service of Oleksandr

Born on May 25, 1981, in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region, Oleksandr faced hardship early when his parents died in a car accident when he was nine. He was raised by his grandmother alongside his sister Oksana and brother Serhiy. After graduating from Kamianets-Podilskyi Secondary School No. 7, he studied at the technical college of the Podillia State Agrarian and Technical Academy, specializing in agricultural mechanization, and later earned a degree as a mechanical engineer from the same institution.

Popov served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Rocket Forces and Artillery, qualifying as an artillery fire adjuster. He joined the Right Sector on February 23, 2014, and from June to August 2014, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) with the Azov Battalion. As part of the 7th Separate Battalion of the DUK Right Sector, he fought in areas including the Donetsk airport, Pisky, Opytne, Vodiane, Nevelske, Avdiivka, and Marinka.

• From August 2015, Oleksandr commanded the 2nd Separate Tactical Group of the DUK Right Sector near Volnovakha.
• On February 14, 2016, he became acting commander of the 7th Reserve Company of the DUK Right Sector in Khmelnytskyi region.

During his service, Popov sustained severe injuries: on January 7, 2016, during a reconnaissance operation near Novomykhailivka, he was shot twice, and on June 11, 2016, at the Shaft Butivka position, he suffered serious mine-blast wounds. Despite this, he continued fighting, becoming a symbol of devotion and bravery for his comrades. From 2018, he led the Khmelnytskyi regional organization of the Right Sector political party.

Oleksandr Popov died after falling into an ambush in the Bakhmut direction, taking the fight upon himself. He is survived by his brother, sister, and nephews.

“It is always difficult to report such news because there are no adequate words to express our loss and convey condolences to family and friends. But for everyone who knew Dragon personally, no words or explanations are needed-we lost more than a fighter with unreal combat experience and legendary charisma.” – DUK PS

A commemoration of Oleksandr Popov will take place on August 6, marking four years since his death. This year, he would have turned 45.

“I can't hold back tears. Terrible news broke my heart. The war took a friend, a classmate, and a very good person-Oleksandr Popov.” – Oksana Didych

Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The death of Oleksandr Popov underscores the tragic price Ukrainian soldiers pay for the country's independence. His contribution to the fight for Ukraine's territorial integrity and freedom will remain in the memories of his comrades and family. This remembrance occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by every family that has lost loved ones in the conflict. Such commemorations are vital for sustaining the nation's morale and recognizing the bravery of those who give their lives for a shared goal.

As the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on Ukrainian defenders, the story of Oleksandr Popov resonates with many, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those serving on the front lines. Similar to the recent loss of a soldier from Rivne, who was mobilized just two months prior and tragically killed in the Kursk region, Popov's legacy highlights the enduring bravery of individuals committed to their country's defense. To learn more about the challenges faced by soldiers in these tumultuous times, see this report on another fallen hero from Rivne.