Ukraine mourns volunteer who spent decades recovering war dead
Ukraine held a funeral for Oleksiy Yukov, a volunteer known for recovering war dead from both sides of the conflict. Yukov was killed by a landmine while continuing his mission to ensure proper burials for the fallen.
Why it matters
Yukov's work highlighted the humanitarian toll of the war and the importance of dignity for the deceased, regardless of their nationality.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine paid tribute on Saturday to Oleksiy Yukov , a volunteer who spent more than two decades recovering bodies of civilians and soldiers — many of them Russian — killed by war. He was 40.
An Orthodox Christian service was held at the Cathedral of Saint Volodymyr, in central Kyiv, where thousands of people gathered to pay their respects following his death in a landmine explosion during a recovery mission on Wednesday.
Mourners also gathered at Kyiv’s main Maidan Square, many dropping to their knees as a sign of respect as his casket was brought to the site. Memorial services were also held in other cities.
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