“TRENER”

Captain Yurii Shkliaruk, call sign “TRENER”, was killed on 2 April 2023 near the village of Ivanivske in Donetsk region while conducting assault operations against the enemy. On 30 May, he would have turned 24. Yurii was born and raised in the village of Uladivske in Vinnytsia region. Even as a child in primary school, he wrote a letter to the future in which he confessed his biggest dream — to become a serviceman. He never hesitated about his life path: after school he entered the Military Academy in Odesa. Alongside military service, he had another passion — sports, which forged his character and endurance. After graduating in 2020, the young officer began his service in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade. He commanded a platoon and took part in combat operations in Donbas within the framework of the JFO. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Yurii, together with his unit, stood up to defend Ukraine. He fought bravely on the Kherson direction and later took command of the 2nd Airmobile Company. After unit coordination, his company set off to carry out combat missions, taking part in assault operations. He fought in Luhansk region, including near Kreminna, and in winter arrived to defend Bakhmut — a symbol of resilience. Yurii was an experienced field commander whom everyone looked up to. He always acted decisively and confidently, never retreating in the face of difficulties. Beside him, fear would step back even in the fiercest battles, and his presence on the battlefield inspired and motivated the entire personnel. He was ready to risk his own life for his brothers-in-arms. When one of them was wounded, Yurii covered him with his own body and, under intense fire, carried him off the battlefield. He always went first — and this was his unwavering principle. The officer was laid to rest in his native village. Yurii is survived by his parents and sister. His name is forever written into the history of the struggle for freedom, and the memory of his courage will live on in the hearts of those he defended.