October 25, 2023
21-year-old paratrooper Oleg Hrynyshak, call sign Hutsul, lost his life on October 25, 2023, near the village of Klishchivka in Donetsk Oblast. While performing a combat task, the soldier detonated on a tripwire.
Oleg was born in the village of Nazaviziv, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. He studied at Prykarpatskyi National University named after Vasyl Stefanyk, specializing in History and Archaeology at the Faculty of History, Political Science, and International Relations. He was passionate about history and was an avid reader.
When the full-scale war began, Oleg was a second-year student. He left his studies and voluntarily mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, becoming a serviceman in the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade. He served as a senior operator in the anti-tank guided missile platoon of the anti-tank missile company. During his service, he was awarded the “Badge of Honor.”
“He was a true patriot and a faithful son of his homeland. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he fearlessly defended our state as part of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade. He used to say, ‘There is no greater love than to give one’s life for a comrade.’ Living by this principle, he always held the rear, covering his comrades with his own self. He drew inspiration from the history and bravery of the UPA warriors, being one of the first to initiate the awarding of the title Hero of Ukraine to Myroslav Symchyshyn. Oleg read a lot, and even in the trenches, he always had books, mostly about the history of Ukraine,” shared Oleg’s childhood friend Kostiantyn Sushyryba.
Posthumously, Soldier Hrynyshak was awarded the Order of Courage III degree.
The young hero was laid to rest in his native village.
Oleg is survived by his father, who serves in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a brother, grandmother, as well as other relatives, friends, and comrades.