Junior Sergeant Andrii Kolombet was killed on March 30, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission in Donetsk region.
The defender sustained a fatal shrapnel wound to the head. He was 45 years old.
Andrii was born in the settlement of Pivnichne, Bakhmut district. He studied at local School No. 3, graduated from the Dzerzhynsk Mining Technical College, and later completed his compulsory military service in Kyiv. He worked as a miner in the city of Toretsk. Subsequently, he completed motor mechanic courses in Mariupol and worked as a marine engine operator, sailing abroad.
Andrii was a well-rounded individual: from childhood he was engaged in sports, read extensively, and drew well. He taught himself English. He was passionate about car painting and approached his work professionally and responsibly.
When the Russian-Ukrainian war began in Donbas, Andrii returned to his first profession as a miner in order to be closer to his family. He went to the military enlistment office and asked to undergo training, saying:
“If a full-scale war begins, I want to be ready.”
In 2018, he took part in military training in Lviv region at the Yavoriv training ground.
On the first day of the full-scale invasion, Andrii joined the ranks of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa and went to defend his native Donetsk region. He served as a gunner.
“My father is my pride, an example of a strong, decisive, real man. Dad was reliable — I could always count on him. He was very kind, honest, and fair. I want so much to tell him: ‘Dad, my dear, I miss you so much…’” — said his daughter, Iryna.
The defender was laid to rest at Krasnopilske Cemetery in the city of Dnipro.
Andrii is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
🕯️ At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide minute of silence.