Kostiantyn Istratov

Senior Soldier Kostiantyn Istratov (call sign "Hranit") was killed on the night of July 29, 2022, during a terrorist attack at the Olenivka colony in Donetsk Oblast. He was 34 years old.

Kostyantyn was born in Brylivka village in the Kherson region. At just 13, his father tragically died, which forced the boy to jump into the workforce at a construction site right after secondary school to support his family. Lacking time and resources to continue his studies, Kostiantyn made the most of his free time. He derived pleasure from immersing himself in literature and dedicating countless hours to workouts, particularly enjoying exercises on the parallel bars.

In 2015, the man came to the defense of Ukraine and participated in the russian-Ukrainian war. He served in the Azov Separate Special Purpose Detachment of the National Guard of Ukraine. At the time of the full-scale invasion in 2022, his role was the machine gunner in the machine gun section of the fire support platoon. Since February 24, 2022, Kostiantyn and his brothers-in-arms have defended Mariupol and the Azovstal plant. After brutal battles and the siege in the spring, their unit surrendered to russian captivity, following the order of the higher military command. On the night of July 29, 2022, the occupiers carried out a terrorist attack in the colony №120, Olenivka village, resulting in the tragic deaths of numerous Ukrainian fighters, including Kostiantyn.

The warrior was awarded the Orders “For Courage” of the III and II Classes for his remarkable service. The latter posthumously.

“A brave Hero, a very kind and fair man. When he came on vacation, I asked, ‘Why did you decide to defend the country without warfare experience?’ He answered, ‘So you and your children could live in a free country and be truly free people.’ His commander told me he mastered many roles in military affairs and was one of the best!” said Iryna Krolevetska, Kostiantyn’s sister.

After an exchange of bodies and DNA testing, the Hero was laid to rest in Kyiv's Lisove Cemetery.

Kostiantyn is survived by his mother, sister, and two nephews.

Source: Memorial

Contributors: Sophia Yakivtsiv and Tetiana Spindel (translators), Liena Shulika (designer)