Oleksandr CHUMAK

The Lyman and Kyiv communities, as well as the entire locomotive sector of Ukrzaliznytsia, have suffered a heavy loss. During a treacherous strike on the company's territory, the life of an experienced leader, a high-level professional, and a veteran of the railway industry—master of the locomotive depot Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Chumak—was tragically cut short.

Oleksandr was born on October 16, 1976, in the city of Krasnyi Lyman (now Lyman) in the Donetsk region. He began his career in railway transport in 1995 as a locksmith-electrician at his native Krasnyi Lyman locomotive depot. Due to his exceptional work ethic, deep technical knowledge, and leadership qualities, he was appointed senior master as early as January 1997.

For over three decades—33 years—Oleksandr Oleksandrovych dedicated himself to the railway sector. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, he continued to uphold the railway front at the Darnița locomotive depot, and in July 2025, he was appointed master of the locomotive maintenance section of the "Darnița Locomotive Depot" production unit of the "Locomotive Company" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia." Colleagues remember him as an extraordinarily kind, sincere, caring, and responsible person, an exceptional specialist, and a reliable friend who was always ready to help and share his vast experience. His professionalism, dedication to his work, and inexhaustible life energy earned him deep respect from the entire team.

On September 1, 2026, at 02:21, Oleksandr Oleksandrovych's life was tragically cut short. As a result of a hostile missile strike by a ballistic missile on the territory of the Darnița locomotive depot, the explosion occurred almost immediately after an air raid alert was announced. Oleksandr Oleksandrovych died while heading to a shelter, remaining at his post until the last moment.

In his civilian life, he was a strong support and pride for his entire family. The hero is survived by his mother, wife Zoya Oleksiivna, and son Maksym Oleksandrovych.

The team of the "Darnița Locomotive Depot" production unit of the "Locomotive Company" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" expresses its deepest and most sincere condolences to his mother, wife Zoya Oleksiivna, son Maksym Oleksandrovych, and all relatives, friends, and colleagues of Oleksandr Chumak.

We share this unspeakable grief, thank him for decades of dedicated work, and bow our heads in deep sorrow. The eternal memory of this devoted railway worker will forever live in our hearts.

Honor to our colleague!