'We Are All Warriors': Ukrainian Combat Medic Killed In Battle Urged Comrades To Continue Fighting
Oleksandra Mulkevych, a 35-year-old combat medic, was honored in Kyiv before her burial on August 17. In a posthumous letter, Mulkevych urged her family and friends to continue their fight for freedom.
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Oleksandra Mulkevych, a Ukrainian combat medic who went by the call sign "Mike," died on August 14 after the ambulance she was traveling in was hit by a Russian first-person view (FPV) drone. She was honored by her colleagues, family, and friends in Kyiv on August 17.
At Mulkevych's request, her friends posted on her Facebook page a message she had written to be shared if something were to happen to her.
At Mulkevych's request, her friends posted on her Facebook page a message she had written to be shared if something were to happen to her.
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The combat medic wrote: "We are all warriors in a way, some on the battlefield, some fighting corruption, some restoring justice in the courts."
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Several hundred people were on hand as her casket was transferred to the historic Baikove cemetery in Kyiv.
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"Oleksandra managed to do as many good things in 35 years as people manage to do in a lifetime," said Mulkevych's husband, Maksym.
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In the letter read aloud by Maksym, the combat medic wrote: "We are such a warlike nation. And very passionate about freedom. I was lucky to be born in the best country in the world, Ukraine, and it is a country for which I would be honored to die. And it's even better to live for her."
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A portrait of Mulkevych near her casket
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Well wishers, some carrying the national flower of Ukraine -- the sunflower -- were in attendance.
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A service dog sits behind soldiers who attended the funeral.
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Mourners grieve by Mulkevych's casket.
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A final salute. Mulkevych was 35 years old.
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