Athlete. Soldier. Hero. Born in Prykarpattia, Myron Yaretskyi believed from an early age in the power of spirit, in fair struggle, and in victory — first in sport, and later on the battlefield.
He was born on July 6, 1984, in Ivano-Frankivsk. He lived an active life, worked hard, and devoted himself to sports. Myron became a Candidate for Master of Sports in boxing and a champion of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. He was known as a man of strong character and a kind heart, an athlete who could stand his ground to the very end — both in the ring and in life.
At the beginning of 2022, he went abroad for work, but when the enemy invaded Ukraine in February, Myron could not remain on the sidelines. In the first days of the full-scale war, he returned home and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He served in the legendary 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. In March 2022, during battles in the Luhansk region, he suffered a severe concussion, losing part of his sight and hearing. Yet even those grave injuries could not break him. After treatment and rehabilitation, he once again returned to the front — this time in the Donetsk region.
Myron transferred to an assault brigade, continuing to defend his homeland from the occupiers. On June 5, 2023, during counteroffensive operations, the Hero was killed by mortar fire. He was only 38.
Posthumously, the defender was awarded the Cross of the Hero — a distinction that traces its origins to the times of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, symbolizing courage, self-sacrifice, and loyalty to Ukraine. He was also posthumously named an Honorary Citizen of Ivano-Frankivsk.
His hometown bid farewell to him with honor. The farewell ceremony for Myron Yaretskyi took place on June 20, 2023. The fallen warrior was laid to rest in the Alley of Heroes in the village of Chukalivka, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
A man who stood for Ukraine until his last breath — his name will forever remain among those who fought for our right to live freely on our own land.
Eternal memory.