Pavlo NOVAK

Pavlo Novak was born in the village of Verba in the Rivne region. After finishing local school, he trained as a locomotive driver and a mechanic for rolling stock at the Zdolbuniv Higher Vocational School of Railway Transport.

Work and hobbies in the life of the locomotive repair mechanic Pavlo Novak from the Zdolbuniv locomotive depot were closely intertwined. While at work, Pavlo dealt with powerful railway "tractors," and in his free time, he was passionate about automotive technology. He worked as a mechanic for the inspection and repair of locomotives at the Zdolbuniv depot.

After being drafted in 2020, he served as the commander of the automotive section of the 394th Separate Battalion of the Operational Command "West." Junior Sergeant Novak fully utilized his skills and knowledge in the military. He participated in the liberation of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions, as well as in the defense of Soledar, Bakhmut, and Kupiansk.

24-year-old Junior Sergeant Pavlo Novak sustained fatal injuries on October 4, 2024, as a result of enemy shelling near the settlement of Kruhlyakivka in the Kharkiv region.

"Pavlik," as his family called him, was a multifaceted individual: since childhood, he served in the church, was an athlete, and excelled in his studies, said Kamila Kotvynska, head of the Verba Village Council. His friend Bohdan Solomko shared that Pavlo was sincere, open, and always positive. His brother Yuriy recalls that he was very friendly and never refused to help. He was diligent and responsible in fulfilling his professional duties. A great patriot, always positive and smiling. His brother loved cars, especially his BMW, which he improved himself.

For exemplary service, he received numerous well-deserved awards, including:

a watch from the President of Ukraine;

a commemorative pistol from the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.

Pavlo is survived by his parents and brother Yuriy. We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

The team at the Zdolbuniv locomotive depot mourns the irreparable loss. Eternal memory and honor to our colleague and Hero!