On August 13, 2025, while carrying out a combat mission near Mykolaivka in the Kharkiv region, the life of 23-year-old Roman Stashchenko — a Master of Sport of Ukraine in Greco-Roman wrestling and a serviceman of the Separate Center of Special Operations “East” named after Prince Sviatoslav the Brave — was cut short.
He was born on December 21, 2001, in Verkhnodniprovsk, Dnipropetrovsk region. From an early age he learned how to win—first overcoming himself in training, and later his opponents on the wrestling mat. A graduate of the Verkhnodniprovsk Children’s and Youth Sports School, he became a multiple champion and prizewinner at various tournaments, and in 2019 earned the title of Master of Sport of Ukraine. Among his achievements was a silver medal at the Ukrainian Championship, along with dozens of matches where character and endurance mattered more than sheer strength. For many young athletes, he became an example of what it means to fight honestly and to the very end.
When the Russian invasion escalated, Roman did not stand aside. Since October 2023, he defended Ukraine as part of the Special Purpose Company of the 1st Special Operations Detachment. He served first as a flamethrower operator, later as a senior operator within the group. He carried out missions in the hottest zones—Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions.
For his courage and resilience, Roman was honored with high awards: the Ministry of Defense Medal “For Wounds” (severe), the Presidential Distinction “For the Defense of Ukraine,” and the state award—the Medal “For Military Service to Ukraine.”
On August 19, 2025, in his hometown of Verkhnodniprovsk, family, comrades-in-arms, friends, and fellow townspeople bid farewell to Roman Stashchenko. He was laid to rest in the Alley of Glory at the city’s central cemetery.
Eternal memory. Heroes never die.