Marine serviceman Khrystofor Popov, call sign “Forik,” was killed on October 26, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Pidstepne. The defender was forever 37 years old.
Khrystofor was born and lived in Myrnohrad. He studied at Secondary School No. 17 and later graduated from the Myrnohrad Professional Mining Lyceum No. 105. He worked at the Pokrovske Mine Administration and was known as a highly skilled specialist. Colleagues remember him as a kind and reliable person.
In March 2022, Khrystofor joined the defense of his homeland and family against the Russian occupiers. He served in the 38th Separate Marine Brigade of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was a squad commander and vehicle commander. He carried out combat missions in his native Donetsk Oblast, including in Marinka, Avdiivka, Pavlivka, Novodonetske, and Velyka Novosilka, and later fought in other areas of the frontline.
“He was a wonderful father and husband. He always smiled. At the cost of his own life, he saved a fellow serviceman. He is our Hero,” said his wife, Yevheniia.
“Khrystofor was a true commander and, above all, a truly достойна and honorable person who never stayed aside from the problems of his subordinates and brothers-in-arms. He always cared for them and was a source of support and positivity. He was a man who faithfully stood on the side of good. He was the pride of his family, their support and strong pillar, without whom it is impossible to imagine life,” his loved ones wrote.
The Hero was buried at the Ozerky cemetery in his native Myrnohrad.
At home, Khrystofor was awaited by his wife, his daughter — who was only three years old when her father was killed — and his parents.
At 9:00 a.m., a nationwide minute of silence is observed. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region killed by Russian aggression.