"FIRST"

He was born in Vasylivka in Kirovohrad Oblast and lived in Poltava Oblast. From his teenage years, he chose a path of service: he joined youth initiatives, Plast, and served as a counselor at the “Azovets” children’s camp. At 18, he joined “Azov” (2019), where he became a sapper. In 2021, he enrolled in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv to study Political Science, combining his studies with service. His brothers-in-arms remember his restraint, diligence, and his ability to support others. Yaroslav met the full-scale invasion in formation. For more than two and a half months, he held the defense of Mariupol and “Azovstal.” Following orders, he left the plant into captivity together with his brothers-in-arms, relying on international guarantees. On the night of July 28–29, 2022, a mass execution of Ukrainian prisoners took place at the Olenivka colony. Among those killed was Yaroslav. After identification, his body was returned home, where family, friends, and his city said goodbye. For his resilience and bravery, Yaroslav was honored with state awards posthumously. But most important is the memory of him in the hearts of those he managed to teach, support, and protect. It is the memory of a generation that chose freedom and responsibility. We say his name out loud—and try to live the way “First” would have advised: honestly, with dignity, together. Bright memory.