Ukrainian pilot Oleh Skliar killed in Kharkiv region crash

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press

KYIV, UKRAINE — Captain Oleh Skliar, a 25-year-old military pilot and helicopter commander, was killed during a combat mission near the village of Oleksandrivka in the Kharkiv region.

Serving in the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade "Kherson" of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Skliar died on April 23, 2022, when Russian occupying forces shot down his helicopter, claiming the lives of the entire crew.

From chess to the skies: A young pilot's journey

Born in Kharkiv, Oleh Skliar began his education at Lyceum No. 149 before pursuing his passion for aviation at the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, where he graduated as a pilot. Outside of his military duties, the young officer was known for his love of snowboarding in the winter, reading books, playing chess, and studying English extensively.

Following his graduation, Skliar was assigned to the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade. He initially served as a pilot-operator before quickly advancing to the role of helicopter commander. A veteran of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), he was awarded the medal "JFO for Courage and Loyalty" and the JFO Commander's "Cossack Cross" 2nd degree.

From the very first days of the full-scale invasion, Skliar continued to carry out combat missions in hot spots to defend Ukraine. Posthumously, Captain Skliar was awarded the Order "For Courage," 3rd degree.

"Oleh was the best thing in my life"

The loss of the young commander left a profound void for his loved ones. His mother, Natalia, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her son, detailing the dreams that the war had stolen:

"Oleh was the best son, grandson, nephew, and friend. He was an example for his younger cousins. He was a courageous, sympathetic, kind, responsible, and cheerful person. He loved his job. He dreamed of traveling the world, getting married, and having a happy family. But this terrible war destroyed those dreams and took my boy's life. I still can't believe that Oleh is no longer with us. It feels like he is on a business trip and will come back soon, call, or write... My dear son! You were and will always be the BEST thing in my life. I love you and remember you, my dear Olezhka, my Hero, my angel, my pride, my life."

The fallen Hero was laid to rest at the Alley of Glory in his hometown of Kharkiv. Having never had the chance to start his own family, Oleh Skliar is survived only by his grieving mother.

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