In Drohobych, a funeral cortege bearing the body of fallen defender Yurii Zabitko, who was killed in action while carrying out a combat mission in the Sumy region, has been received. As reported by Drohobych City Council, a city-wide farewell to the soldier is planned for 17 September.
Yurii Zabitko was born on 15 June 1987 in Drohobych. He studied at local school No. 1 and later went on to gain a degree at the veterinary academy in Lviv. According to the recollections of his family and close friends, in his childhood he served at the church and sang in the choir.
After completing his studies, he worked for a chain of building hypermarkets in Truskavets, Drohobych and Lviv. In recent years, he lived on Parkova Street in his home city.
In June 2024, Yurii voluntarily joined the ranks of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. He served on the front line and took part in combat operations in various sectors of the front. He performed his military service as a rifleman in the first rifle squad of the 3rd rifle platoon of the 8th rifle company of the 3rd territorial defence battalion, military unit A7034.
On 17 August 2026, while carrying out a combat mission in Sumy region, Yurii Zabitko was killed. He is survived by his mother, his brother with his family, and two nieces.
The farewell to the defender in Drohobych will take place on 17 September. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 at the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord. After the service, at approximately 13:00, a city-wide farewell ceremony will be held on Rynok Square. Yurii Zabitko will be laid to rest at the cemetery on Pylypa Orlyka Street.
The community extends its gratitude and respect to the warrior who gave his life defending Ukraine.