“Azov” Fighter Oleksii Kisilyshyn, Call Sign “Lev,” Was Killed During the Russian Terrorist Attack in the Olenivka Prison Colony
Oleksii Kisilyshyn, known by the call sign “Lev,” was killed on July 29, 2022, during the Russian terrorist attack on the Olenivka prison colony. The defender had turned 26 just four days earlier.
Oleksii was born and raised in the city of Mariupol. After school, he trained as an electric and gas welder at Local Vocational School No. 99. From early childhood, he cared for abandoned animals. Later, he became a well-known animal rights activist and zookeeper, not only in his native Mariupol but throughout Ukraine. He rescued wild animals in distress and actively promoted professional animal care. He worked at a wild animal shelter in Boryspil and collaborated with various animal protection organizations. He dreamed of obtaining a higher veterinary education. However, in 2014, the war began, and instead of pursuing studies, at the age of 17 he joined the Azov Battalion. He took part in the defense of Mariupol and the Shyrokyne operation.
After completing his service, he continued his work in animal protection and animal care. He opened a private rehabilitation center for wild animals. Before that, he traveled to the Kraków Zoo to gain professional skills and experience, where he worked with large predators, including lions and tigers.
On February 24, 2022, Oleksii returned to the Azov Special Operations Detachment and once again stood in defense of his hometown against the occupiers. He served as a rifleman and assistant machine gunner. He endured the fierce battles for Mariupol and the Azovstal plant, and in the spring, together with his unit, surrendered into captivity following orders. He never returned.
“Oleksii loved only his family and Ukraine more than he loved animals, and he gave his life for Ukraine. He had an incredible passion for life and many plans: to expand the shelter, get an education, get married, and become a father. Thank you for choosing me to be your mother. I am proud of you, my son. Forever in my heart…” wrote his mother, Hanna Volodymyrivna.
“Oleksii was a kind and open-hearted person,” added his father, Oleksandr Hryhorovych.
Private Oleksii Kisilyshyn was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” III degree.
He was buried in February 2023.
The Hero is survived by his parents, beloved girlfriend, relatives, friends, and brothers-in-arms.
At 9:00 a.m. — the nationwide minute of silence. Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Memorial platform honoring fallen heroes remember the defenders from Donetsk region killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine.