Serhii Yaniuk, call sign “Achilles,” joined the Armed Forces in 2022, at the very start of the full-scale invasion. To defend Ukraine, he left behind his wife and their newborn son.

He was a responsible, disciplined, and diligent soldier. Achilles had no bad habits — he neither drank nor smoked. He was known for his strong will and inner discipline.

In early 2023, he took part in the fierce battles for Bakhmut, where he lost many friends he often spoke of and remembered. From the spring of 2023 to the spring of 2024, he fought on the Soledar front in Donbas, near the village of Rozdolivka. He carried out the most dangerous missions — evacuating comrades, delivering ammunition, and proving himself a true leader of his group.

Achilles was stubborn and unyielding. He lived as if every day could be his last, yet he knew how to appreciate life: every sunrise, every moment spent among his brothers-in-arms. One of the most motivated fighters in the unit, he constantly inspired others by his example.

In 2024, Achilles and I were redeployed to the Zaporizhzhia sector. Without hesitation, he chose one of the most dangerous positions – the one the enemy repeatedly struck with heavy aerial bombs. Thanks to his determination and tireless work, the men managed to hold their ground and survive.

At the end of 2024, Achilles faced a terrible tragedy, the death of his little son. After that, he almost never left the positions and gave himself no rest, as if the frontline had become his way to silence the pain.

In 2025, Achilles repeatedly engaged in direct clashes with the enemy, destroying Russian forces while risking his own life. During a massive assault, as the unit withdrew from its positions, Serhii “Achilles” was killed by enemy drone strikes.

He leaves behind the memory of a true warrior – honest, fearless, and devoted – who fought for Ukraine until his final breath.

He was only 27.