"MAKSON"

Thirty-two-year-old serviceman Maksym Vratskyi, call sign Makson, was killed in battle against the Russian army on the Kherson front on January 5, 2024. Maksym was originally from the city of Kholmsk, Russia. From childhood, he lived in Odesa, where he grew up, studied, and worked. In 2014, he graduated from the Odesa National Maritime University with a degree in “Organization of Transportation and Transport Management (Maritime).” He worked in his field at LLC “Eksim Food.” In civilian life, he practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu professionally and promoted the sport in Odesa. One year before his death, on January 5, 2023, he received a brown belt. He coached children and adults at various sports clubs in the city. He also deeply loved cinema and music and had a strong knowledge of the history of Ukraine and the world. He loved long walks, had been a vegetarian for many years, and protected stray animals. He supported football teams—the Odesa-based “Chornomorets” and Italy’s “Milan.” He was part of the supporters’ movement in Odesa and often stood in the fan section during home matches. In March 2022, Maksym stood up to defend Ukraine. He fought as part of the 126th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, including in the “Buzkyi Hard” unit. “He was my best friend, the best of all the people I knew, and an example to others in life. A cheerful person, a loving father. Maks taught love for the Homeland and for sport. He left behind a tremendous legacy—and, most importantly, a legacy in the life of his little one…,” said the fallen soldier’s brother, Mykola Vratskyi. At the university where Maksym studied, a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honor. Alongside the image of the brigade’s shoulder patch, they placed the emblem of the “Buzkyi Hard” unit—it was with representatives of this Mykolaiv-based movement that the defender walked his military path. Maksym is survived by his wife, son, brother, parents, grandmother, uncle, and nephew.