Oleksandr Bondarenko

Oleksandr was born and lived in Melitopol. After the invasion, he moved to Zaporizhzhia, obtaining IDP status. He worked as a third-category electric gas welder in the capital repair section at the Melitopol station of Ukrzaliznytsia.

On May 23, 2023, Oleksandr enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In fierce battles in the Zaporizhzhia direction, on July 22, 2023, he sustained serious injuries but, despite this, saved his commander's life. He believed in Victory and often repeated, "Who, if not us?"

42-year-old soldier Oleksandr Bondarenko was killed on October 4, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Robotyne in the Polohy district of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Colleagues remember Oleksandr as a soulful, open, kind, calm, and hardworking person who was always ready to help. Oleksandr often spoke warmly about his beloved daughter Maria but lamented that his parents and sister remained in occupied Melitopol and could not see him off on his final journey.

Oleksandr is survived by his parents, daughter, and sister.

The team of the capital repair section at the Melitopol station of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia bows their heads in unspeakable sorrow and respect for the heroism of Oleksandr Bondarenko. Glory to the defender!