Since the age of 16, he prepared for a great struggle. Let us remember Oleksandr Samoylovych.

Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians observe a minute of silence to honor the memory of the victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today we want to remember Oleksandr Samoylovych.

During the fighting in Donetsk, 18-year-old soldier Oleksandr Samoylovych from the city of Slavuta in Khmelnytskyi region was killed, reports 'Hromadske'.

Oleksandr Oleksandrovych was born on September 17, 2006, in Slavuta. He studied at Slavuta Gymnasium No. 4 and the Slavuta Lyceum, specializing in 'foreign philology'. He graduated from the lyceum in 2023 and enrolled at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.

'His life was just beginning, but even then he was far from an ordinary young man. At 16, he joined the National Liberation Movement 'Right Sector'. He came to prepare himself for a great struggle,' the local community reported.

When Russia started the war, Sashko was only 15 years old. He dreamed of joining the Armed Forces, but he was not of age for that. Upon reaching adulthood, he prepared for service, participated in training, and studied military tactics and medicine.

Oleksandr was strong, determined, and sincere. He was a natural leader and engaged in sports, including Muay Thai and wrestling. Sports were an integral part of his life, and he always gave it his all.

He also loved the mountains and considered trips to the mountains a spiritual cleansing.

Oleksandr was a passionate patriot, fascinated by the history of Ukraine, particularly the Cossacks. He had tattoos with the emblem of Cold Yar and slogans that symbolized his loyalty to Ukraine.

On October 25, 2024, at the age of 18, Oleksandr signed a contract and became a warrior of the First Separate Assault Battalion named after Dmytro Kotsiubaylo. He underwent training in the United Kingdom and became a leader for his comrades.

On April 4, 2025, during the fighting, Oleksandr was killed near the village of Vovkove, Pokrovskyi district, Donetsk region. He defended his homeland until his last breath.

Oleksandr lived, most likely, honestly, with dignity, and with a great Idea in his heart. He died young and beautiful, with a smiling face. He died so that we could live.

Friends and colleagues from the National Liberation Movement 'Right Sector' wrote: 'He came to us at 16 years old. He was strong, intelligent, and had dignity. He was a true hero. He was not afraid of death and sacrificed himself to protect others. He will always be in the hearts of us, his family, and all of Ukraine.'

The school also remembers Oleksandr: 'He was a smart, brave, and patriotically minded boy. He was always surrounded by friends who shared his patriotic views.'

During the farewell to the Hero, kind words about him were spoken.

Irina Yanysevych, director of Gymnasium No. 4: 'The loss of Oleksandr has been painful for us. He was a smart, brave, and dignified boy. He will always be in our hearts.'

Sergiy Kvas, university vice-rector: 'This grief has touched all of Ukraine. You raised a hero we are proud of.'

Comrades and friends escorted Oleksandr on his final journey and honored his memory. He remained in the hearts of his family and loved ones.

We join in the moment of silence and honor the memory of all Ukrainian heroes who died for our homeland in this war.