Yuriy Sidletskiy

Yuriy Olegovych was born in the village of Strutynka in the Vinnytsia region, but he dedicated most of his life to Koziatyn. After finishing the 8th grade, he chose the path of a technician-mechanic, obtaining his education at the Kalynivka Technical School. After completing his mandatory military service, Yuriy found his main professional calling in the railway industry.

For nearly three decades—29 years of work experience—he devoted himself to the Koziatyn locomotive depot of the "Locomotive Company" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia." As an experienced electric locomotive driver, Yuriy understood the value of responsibility and precision, earning deep respect among his colleagues.

For Yuriy Olegovych, family always came first. Together with his wife Svitlana, he built a home filled with love and warmth. "A truly kind man—without loud words or ostentatious generosity," his beloved wife recalls.

With the birth of his son, Yuriy became an exemplary father: patient, attentive, able to offer wise advice or simply embrace at the right moment. His quiet kindness and dream of universal happiness were the foundation on which their world stood.

Defending his homeland became a conscious duty for Yuriy. During the ATO, he defended the eastern borders for two and a half years, for which he was awarded a medal.

When the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, Yuriy Olegovych did not hesitate for a moment. By February 26, he was at one of the most challenging front lines—near Bakhmut. Even after suffering a severe concussion and undergoing rehabilitation, he returned to his comrades. As a senior and experienced fighter of the 6th Territorial Defense Battalion (military unit A-7048), he became a guardian angel for younger soldiers: teaching, covering, and taking on the most dangerous tasks.

With deep sorrow and indescribable pain, we honor the memory of a true patriot, a brave warrior, and a professional in his field—Yuriy Olegovych Sidletskiy. His life was an example of honor, and his death near Bakhmut was a heavy loss for his family, community, and all of Ukraine.

On April 24, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission in the hellish Bakhmut, Yuriy Sidletskiy was killed. For two years and eight months, he was considered missing in action. Despite the hope that flickered in the hearts of his loved ones, the warrior returned "on his shield."

Yuriy is survived by his wife and child. We bow our heads before the hero's feat. His dedication to the railway, boundless love for his family, and selflessness on the battlefield will forever be etched in the annals of our victory.

Eternal glory and bright memory to Yuriy Olegovych Sidletskiy! Heroes never die!