Soldier of the assault company of the Volunteer Ukrainian Corps (VUC)’s 5th Separate Battalion Oleksandr Raikhert died on November 9 in the village of Pisky near the Donetsk Airport during an enemy attack. The plaque commemorating the young hero was unveiled at the building of Kherson Hydrometeorological Technical School, where he studied for the last two years, on his birthday, January 21. He would have turned 19 on that day.
Many residents of Kherson came there to commemorate Raikhert, including his family, school friends, teachers, VUC comrades, representatives of municipal and regional authorities and ordinary locals who respect the deceased man’s courageous decision to stand up for peace in Ukraine.
“Russia is bringing terrorism to our country, trying to turn us into powerless slaves again, but I am sure that they will fail. Ukrainians today cannot be defeated until our side has heroes in its ranks, such as Oleksandr Raikhert was,” Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko addressed the audience. “These people deserved to live, to rebuild the country, to have children and raise them, but the stern fate decided otherwise. Therefore, our task is, at the minimum, to remember such boys and girls, remember that they gave their most precious possession, their lives, for our country and the cause of freedom.”
Raikhert’s comrade, known by his callsign Maestro, spoke at the unveiling of the memorial plaque as well. He noted the young soldier’s unusual courage. “He was always ready to be the first to meet the danger, his dedication was surprising. Ukraine is lucky to have such citizens. Sashko will remain in our hearts forever. Heroes are immortal,” Maestro said.
His friends sang the “Warriors of Light” song to honor Raikhert’s memory. Volunteer Halyna Umanets read a poem dedicated to the fallen soldier. Kherson residents laid flowers at the plaque and sang together the anthem of Ukraine at the end of the ceremony.
