Remembering Oleksandr Yatsenko: Turboatom chief who defended Ukraine
From turning metal in hydro-turbine shops to defending his country, Oleksandr Yatsenko lived a life defined by quiet resolve and an unbeatable smile.
Oleksandr Yatsenko was a man who built his career step by step. Back in 2005, he started at Kharkiv's legendary Turboatom plant as an apprentice turner, earned higher degrees along the way, and climbed all the way to shop section chief. Outside of work, he was passionate about sports, cars, and motorcycles.
When war came in 2014, he didn't hesitate and joined the defense. During the full-scale invasion, Master Sergeant Yatsenko served in the 113th Territorial Defense Brigade. His brothers-in-arms called him the "warrior with a smile" for his unwavering optimism under fire. On July 20, 2025, the 44-year-old defender was killed in action near Vovchanski Khutory in Kharkiv Oblast. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
Men who build industrial giants in peacetime and hold the frontlines in war are the true foundation of this nation.
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