Laid down his life for Ukraine. On 24 May 2026, the heart of serviceman of the special unit of the Security Service of Ukraine, Senior Sergeant Yehor Basiuk, call sign “Paradox,” stopped beating. The heart of a young athlete, an excellent student, a person of outstanding prospects and strong character. The heart of a warrior.
Yehor was born on 10 February 2004 in Vinnytsia. From childhood, he stood out for his perseverance, curiosity, and inner discipline. Sport held a special place in his life. He seriously engaged in orienteering, became a Candidate for Master of Sport of Ukraine, and repeatedly demonstrated high results in competitions. He was also passionate about cycling.
He was fluent in English and obtained a degree in “International Finance and Banking” at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Northern Cyprus, graduating with honours. A successful international career lay ahead of him. He could have stayed abroad, building his professional future in comfortable conditions, far from the war. But he chose Ukraine.
His comrades recall that this is precisely why the call sign “Paradox” suited him so well. At a time when many young people were seeking a safe life outside the country, he returned home to join the ranks of defenders. Even before his military service, Yehor deliberately prepared himself for the defence of the state. He independently studied topography, mastered drone operation, and spent his own funds on specialised courses, training, and technical equipment.
In 2025, he began his service in the Defence Forces of Ukraine. After completing training, he served in a special unit of the Security Service of Ukraine. He carried out combat missions as part of one of the most experienced special operations groups. He was valued for his professionalism, responsibility, resilience, and willingness to always lend a helping hand. Yehor’s commander, call sign “Sheriff,” recalls: “For his age, he was very wise. He quickly became part of our special unit family, absorbing all the principles of brotherhood. During the last combat mission, when Yehor was taking up positions, I looked into his eyes and thought: ‘He is one of ours!’”
On 23 May 2026, during a combat mission, the service vehicle in which Yehor was traveling came under enemy fire, as a result of which the serviceman sustained severe injuries. He was evacuated to a hospital in Dnipro, where doctors fought for his life. Unfortunately, the following day his heart stopped.
For his courage and heroism, Yehor Basiuk was posthumously awarded the military rank of Senior Sergeant and decorated with the medal “For Courage.”
On 27 May 2026, Vinnytsia bid Yehor farewell on his final journey. At the Alley of Glory of the Sabariv Cemetery, alongside relatives, friends, comrades-in-arms, and fellow citizens, they said goodbye to a young man who lived a short but worthy life. His father, Vinnytsia journalist Yurii Basiuk, has also served in the Defence Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion and continues his service. Bidding farewell to his son, he vowed to avenge his death.
Eternal memory and low bow to the Hero!