Yaroslav NAUMENKO

Yaroslav was born in the village of Kosiv, Chortkiv district, Ternopil region. He joined the railway in February 2022, becoming a track maintenance worker of the 3rd category at the Nizhyn track maintenance unit.

Colleagues remember him as a cheerful and enthusiastic worker. His sister called him a "celebration of life," as wherever Yaroslav was, there were always jokes, laughter, and joy. He was passionate about music, military equipment, and weapons, and dreamed of marrying his beloved girlfriend.

In May 2022, Yaroslav enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in the anti-aircraft missile troops. Among his fellow servicemen, he was the youngest, but he always strived to be first, responding to the question "Why do you do this?" with the phrase, "If not me, then who?".

Yaroslav Naumenko was killed on July 15, 2023, while performing his military duties near the village of Lyman Pershyi in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv region.

For his bravery, he was awarded the Honorary Badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Steel Cross" in 2022.

Yaroslav is survived by his mother, sisters, and twin brother.

The team at the Nizhyn track maintenance unit of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" honors the memory of Yaroslav Naumenko with indescribable sorrow and pride. Glory to the Hero, awarded the "Steel Cross"!