In the Drohobych community, the death of Ukraine’s defender Pavlo Nesterovych, who had been missing for almost 11 months, has been confirmed. The soldier went missing while carrying out a combat mission in Donetsk region, and on 9 September 2026 his death was officially confirmed. This was reported by Drohobych City Council.
Pavlo Nesterovych was born on 12 July 1997 and lived in Drohobych. He studied at Gymnasium No. 9 and later graduated from Vocational School No. 15, where he qualified as a car mechanic and electric and gas welder. After his studies, he worked at a car service centre in his home town.
On 30 April 2024, the Drohobych resident joined the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders. He served as an assistant grenadier in the 2nd squad of the 2nd rifle platoon of the (reserve) rifle company with the rank of private. On 8 October 2025, while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Novoekonomichne in Donetsk region, Pavlo went missing. According to preliminary information, this happened as a result of a strike by an enemy drone.
All this time, his family and loved ones hoped for the soldier’s return. Officially, he was listed as missing for almost 11 months. After confirmation of his death, it became possible to bring the defender’s body home so that his family and the community could bid him a final farewell.
The fallen soldier is survived by his parents and a sister with her family. Drohobych City Council, its executive committee, Mayor Taras Kuchma and Council Secretary Orest Karakevych have expressed their condolences to the relatives, loved ones and friends of Pavlo Nesterovych.
The arrival of the funeral cortege with the defender’s body is scheduled for Monday, 14 September. At 13:00 the cortege will arrive at the Heroes crossroads, and at 13:30 a citywide farewell will take place on Rynok Square. The funeral service will begin at 14:00 in the Church of the Holy Trinity. Pavlo Nesterovych will be laid to rest on the Avenue of Glory.
Eternal memory to Ukraine’s defender Pavlo Nesterovych.