Oleksii Semkiv, a native of Ivano-Frankivsk, was killed on August 4, 2025, while carrying out a combat mission near Hrekivka in Luhansk region. He was 24 years old. Oleksii served as a reconnaissance soldier in the 3rd Assault Brigade.
Oleksii was born on December 22, 2000, in Ivano-Frankivsk. He graduated from the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, where he studied electrical engineering.
In December 2021, he began working for PrJSC Prykarpattiaoblenergo as an electrical technician. Later, he became an engineer in the company's diagnostic service.
Those who knew Oleksii remember him as a kind, sincere and dependable person. He had a particular love for animals and was always ready to help those who needed support, whether people or animals.
Sport Was an Important Part of His Life
Oleksii began practicing sports as a child. He initially trained in taekwondo, later moving on to mixed martial arts and kickboxing.
He actively participated in competitions and continued training even after joining the military.
His military call sign was “Everest”. The name reflected his determined personality and his willingness to overcome difficult challenges.
His Greatest Dream Was the Mountains
Among all of Oleksii's interests, the mountains held a special place.
He loved hiking and dreamed of one day climbing Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
The mountains gave him a sense of freedom and strength. For Oleksii, they were a place where he could challenge himself and feel completely free.
That is why the call sign “Everest” was more than just a military nickname. It was connected to a real dream he carried throughout his life.
Service in the 3rd Assault Brigade
Oleksii served in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, where he worked as a reconnaissance soldier in the reconnaissance platoon of the 2nd Assault Battalion.
On August 4, 2025, he was killed while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Hrekivka in Luhansk region.
The area was one of the active sections of the front, where Russian forces were conducting assaults against Ukrainian positions.
Oleksii's death was later confirmed, and Ivano-Frankivsk prepared to say farewell to the young defender.
Farewell to the Fallen Soldier
The farewell ceremony for Oleksii Semkiv took place in Ivano-Frankivsk on September 3, 2025.
The funeral procession began at the House of Mourning and continued to his family home before the funeral service at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Oleksii was laid to rest at the Demyaniv Laz memorial cemetery in Ivano-Frankivsk.
He was remembered by his family, friends and comrades as a courageous and compassionate young man who loved sports, animals and the mountains.
He had a profession, plans for the future and a dream of reaching the highest mountain on Earth.
Instead, he gave his life defending Ukraine.
Oleksii Semkiv “Everest” was 24 years old.
Eternal memory and glory to the Ukrainian defender.
