Ukrainians Honor Oleksiy Yukov for Recovery Efforts

Ukrainian military members carried the coffin of Oleksiy Yukov, head of the platsdarm search unit, during his funeral at St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kyiv. Yukov was known as the ‘collector of souls’ for his long-standing dedication to recovering remains of soldiers and civilians from war zones.

Yukov, aged 40, died after stepping on a landmine in the Donetsk region on August 5 while attempting to exhume a body. His friend, Serhiy Hnezdilov, highlighted the loss on social media, emphasizing Yukov’s role in giving names back to the deceased.

Thousands attended Yukov’s memorial service in Kyiv, following initial honors in his hometown of Sloviansk in Donetsk province. His dedication brought closure to many families affected by the war.

Despite serious injuries from a previous mine blast in 2022, Yukov resumed his work. His interest in locating remains began in his teenage years during searches on World War II battlefields in Ukraine. Following the 2014 Russian invasion and annexation of Crimea, he established Platsdarm to dignify burials for the fallen.

The Associated Press reported on his nationwide reputation for tireless efforts. Yukov and a volunteer team used drones and metal detectors to search territories for mines and remains with the help of bomb disposal experts. They recovered bodies of both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers, alongside civilians.

Yukov detailed their procedure: initiating searches early, analyzing terrains, and marking zones for examination. His approach to honor all deaths, regardless of allegiance, was made clear in statements to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He emphasized maintaining humanity amidst the war.

In the documentary Ukraine’s Frontline Sacrifice, Yukov spoke about the spiritual aspect of his work. He believed that unburied bodies hold wandering souls, preventing peace for them and continuation of the war until they receive closure.