Senior Soldier Pavlo Yurchenko was killed on May 8, 2022, in Mariupol: an airstrike on Azovstal took his life. He was 55 years old.
Pavlo was born in Yurivka. After serving in the army, he worked as a driver, then as a security guard. In 2017, he voluntarily signed a contract with the National Guard and took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Pavlo defended Mariupol as a senior driver in the ammunition and fuel supply platoon.
“We’re heading to Mariupol,” he wrote on February 24, insisting that his family evacuate. His last message came on the morning of May 8: “There was a strike. We’re going to dig out those who got buried…”
During his life, Pavlo was awarded the “For Participation in the ATO” medal, and posthumously received the Order “For Courage,” 3rd class.
He is survived by his wife, son, mother, and older brother.
At 9:00 a.m., the nation observes a moment of silence.
The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.