Soldier Oleh Sanzharevskyi, call sign “Polyak,” died at a Kyiv hospital on May 26, 2024. On May 17, while on a mission in the Ocheretyne community, an FPV drone hit his vehicle, and Oleh sustained severe injuries.
He was 37 years old. Born in Tyumen, he had lived in Pokrovsk since the age of four. He graduated from a technical college as a gas-electric welder, but chose a career in rescue service — rising from firefighter to commander of a State Emergency Service unit.
In August 2021, he went to Poland for work.
After February 24, 2022, he returned to Ukraine — walking home from Dnipro to Pokrovsk — and volunteered at the Territorial Recruitment Center. He served in the 109th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a crane operator.
“There’s no one else like him,” said his commander.
“He was always ready to help,” his wife said.
Oleh was laid to rest in Pokrovsk.
He is survived by his wife Alina and 7-year-old son Artem.
At 9:00 a.m., the national moment of silence.
The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes’ Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.