Ukrainian soldier Nazar Petrykiv killed in IL-76 plane crash in Russia

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

KYIV, UKRAINE — Nazar Petrykiv, a soldier serving in the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was killed in an IL-76 plane crash in Russia's Belgorod region on January 24, 2024.

The 31-year-old soldier was a prisoner of war and was among those waiting to return home as part of an upcoming prisoner exchange when the tragic incident occurred. His death was met with deep sorrow by his family and comrades-in-arms.

Volunteered to join the defense

Born on April 23, 1992, in the village of Stankiv in the Lviv region, Petrykiv graduated from the Lviv National Agrarian University. He subsequently worked as a metrologist engineer at Ukrenergo before volunteering to join the defense forces on the very first day of Russia's large-scale invasion.

His mother, Halyna Yaroslavivna, recounted his decision to head to the frontlines:

"When I returned home, he was already standing there with his backpack packed. I pleaded with him, 'Wait, you still have time. Today is only the first day of the war.' But he said someone had to go, because his father was older and his brother was still young. I cried, but he wouldn't listen. He kissed me and said, 'Maybe we won't see each other again. Remember that I love you all.'"

Petrykiv served in a self-propelled artillery unit of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo.

Captured in Luhansk

According to defense sources, Petrykiv was taken prisoner on March 28, 2022, near the city of Popasna in the Luhansk region after his unit lost control of a position due to an enemy attack. His mother later discovered that he was being held in a prison cell in the Russian city of Vyazma.

Comrades who returned from captivity shared that Petrykiv deeply regretted not spending enough time with his mother while he was held prisoner. According to his mother, Petrykiv had a strong desire to live and had made extensive plans for the future. He intended to apologize upon his return, start a new life, finish home renovations, and build a sauna. He mostly dreamed of settling down and caring for his son, who was eagerly awaiting his return at home.

The fallen soldier, Nazar Petrykiv, was laid to rest at the Alley of Heroes in the city of Stryi, located in the Lviv region. He is survived by his parents, brother, grandmother, son, and ex-wife.

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