On April 7, 2026, while carrying out a combat mission in the Donetsk region, Oleksandr Diedov gave his life for Ukraine. He was a warrior, a border guard, an athlete — a man of great strength and an even greater heart. He was only 27.
Oleksandr was born on May 26, 1998, in Tulchyn, Vinnytsia region. He loved sports from early childhood: he could spend hours playing football, even at the expense of his school lessons. Later, football gave way to his true calling — martial arts. Sasha’s athletic journey began at the “Hepard” martial arts club. Years of persistent training brought remarkable results: he regularly became the champion of Ukraine, won regional and national tournaments, and earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sports in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He proudly represented his native Vinnytsia region in competitions, dreamed of joining the national team, and relentlessly pursued his goal.
In 2018, after graduating from Tulchyn Vocational School No. 41, Oleksandr joined the ranks of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He began his service in the Mohyliv-Podilskyi Border Guard Detachment, where he quickly earned the respect of his comrades. With the beginning of the full-scale war, his military path led him to the Donetsk region. Even while serving, he represented his unit in hand-to-hand combat and universal combat competitions, proving that strength of spirit does not disappear even in war.
Oleksandr’s coach, Volodymyr Soliar, recalled that even during his military service, he always found time to come to training sessions. He helped younger athletes, gave advice, and inspired them. He dreamed of one day becoming a coach himself — passing on his experience and raising a new generation of fighters. But that dream was never meant to come true.
At the beginning of 2026, Oleksandr became part of the “Phoenix” unit of the 3rd Border Guard Detachment named after Hero of Ukraine Yevhenii Pikus. He mastered UAV operation and became a senior operator of unmanned aerial systems. His duty was to protect the sky above the front line, safeguard the lives of his brothers-in-arms, and detect danger before it reached others. His comrades say that every combat mission with him was clearly organized because he radiated confidence. He faced even the most difficult tasks with a smile. He was clever, brave, devoted, a wonderful musician and cook, and he loved preparing meals for his fellow soldiers.
He made the best solyanka, fried potatoes, and deruny. Before leaving for his final combat mission, he smiled and told his comrades: “When I come back, I’ll make you the most delicious deruny.” But he was never destined to return.
On April 7, 2026, near the village of Chernihivka in the Donetsk region, Russian terrorists and invaders struck the positions of UAV operators with artillery fire. Oleksandr Diedov sustained injuries incompatible with life.
At home, he was awaited by his wife Oleksandra, his two-year-old son Makar, his parents, and his younger brother Artem.
Oleksandr Diedov lived a short but достойне life and left behind a bright and lasting memory.
Deepest gratitude, eternal honor, and glory to the Hero!