Senior soldier Gennady Stefanovich died on March 28, 2024, during a combat mission near Pokrovsk. The defender was 54 years old.
Gennady was born in the city of Donetsk. He mastered the specialty of underground electrician at the local vocational school No. 11. He worked in law enforcement and retired in 2002 with the rank of police major. Since then, he worked as a driver. He lived in Odesa and was fond of cycling and swimming, training daily on the Black Sea coast.
In July 2023, Hennadiy voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was a telephone operator in the 79th Separate Tavriya Airborne Assault Brigade and fought in Donetsk Oblast.
"From the very first days of Russia's military aggression and occupation of Donetsk, my father remained steadfastly loyal to Ukraine. He firmly stood by his pro-Ukrainian views, even when it led to the loss of friends and strained relations with his family. When the full-scale invasion began, he could not stand aside and, despite his age and health, voluntarily stood up to defend his homeland.
As a highly skilled professional who had studied both in Ukraine and abroad, he did everything he could to be useful on the front lines. Until his last breath, my father remained faithful to his oath and his land. He gave his life for the freedom of Ukraine just 100 kilometers from his home, which he never got to see again.
To his family, he was a loving father and caring husband. His devotion, strength of spirit, and boundless love for his homeland will remain with us forever," said his eldest daughter, Olena.
The soldier was buried in the village of Nova Dolyna in the Odesa region.
He was posthumously awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the Avangard Community.”
Gennadiy is survived by his wife and two daughters.
At 9:00 a.m., there will be a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform will commemorate the fallen defenders from Donetsk Oblast.