Ukraine recently paid tribute to Oleksiy Yukov, a dedicated volunteer who died in a landmine explosion while searching for war dead. Known as the collector of souls, Yukov spent over two decades recovering the remains of soldiers and civilians from across the battlefield, including Russian casualties. His life-saving work often took him into active conflict zones where he navigated minefields and shelling to ensure the fallen received proper burials.
Thousands gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Volodymyr in Kyiv to honor a man who remained committed to his mission despite sustaining severe injuries in 2022. During that earlier explosion, Yukov lost an eye and suffered significant leg injuries, yet he returned to the front lines almost immediately. His organization, Platsdarm, continues the difficult task of locating remains in forests and ruins where the danger remains constant.
At the funeral, Yukov’s widow, Evhenyia Kaluhyna, vowed to continue the mission he started. She and other mourners emphasized the profound impact his kindness had on families desperate for closure. His daughter, Diana Kaluhyna, noted that her father restored dignity to the fallen and provided healing to those left behind. Yukov often spoke of his work as a religious and moral duty, describing a body as a soul waiting to return home. His legacy now rests with the team he built and the families who found peace through his efforts.