Viktor YASHCHENKO

Viktor Yashchenko was born in the village of Novoselytsia, Khmelnytskyi region. He studied at the correspondence department of Khmelnytskyi National University but, unfortunately, did not manage to graduate. He began his career at the motor car depot in Fastiv, part of the regional branch of the "South-Western Railway," and later moved to the locomotive depot in Hrechanі, where he worked as an assistant driver of an electric train until the start of the full-scale war.

Since 2014, Viktor was a participant in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), serving as a grenade launcher. Near the village of Pisky, he sustained a serious gunshot wound to his leg and was demobilized. In the hospital in Ruzhychna, the soldier met his future wife, Kateryna. After a lengthy recovery, Viktor signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and served in the 19th Rocket Brigade "Holy Barbara" of the Ground Forces from 2016 to 2019.

On February 25, 2022, Viktor took up arms again, starting his service as a senior soldier.

32-year-old Viktor Yashchenko died on October 14, 2024, in the village of Makiyivka, Luhansk region, from chest injuries. The family notification stated that Viktor had been considered missing since October 14, 2024. Kateryna received the notification of her husband's death on their daughter’s birthday—November 5.

Wife Kateryna registered an electronic petition for posthumously awarding Viktor the title of Hero of Ukraine. He was awarded:

the badge "For Service and Valor" of the 3rd class;

the Presidential Award of Ukraine "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation";

the Chief of General Staff's badge—"Participant of ATO."

Viktor is survived by his wife and daughter, Sofia. We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

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