On Saturday, March 15, Lviv will hold a farewell ceremony for servicemen Oleksandr Veselovskyi and Andrii Shaposhnikov, who sacrificed their lives defending Ukraine against Russian invaders. The Lviv City Council urges residents and guests to pay their respects and refrain from entertainment activities on this day.
Farewell Ceremony
The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Around 11:30 a.m., a citywide farewell ceremony will take place at Rynok Square.
The defenders will be laid to rest at the Lychakiv Cemetery.
Biographies of the Fallen Heroes
Oleksandr Veselovskyi (September 20, 1995 – March 1, 2025)
Oleksandr was born in the village of Petrychi, Lviv region. He attended the local school, excelling academically and actively participating in student government. Later, he graduated with honors from the Lviv Vocational College of Construction, Architecture, and Design, specializing in “Construction and Operation of Buildings and Structures.” In 2017, he earned a master’s degree from Lviv Polytechnic National University in “Construction and Civil Engineering.”
He worked as a structural engineer and was passionate about his profession. Friends and family remember him as an honest, principled, and dependable person who always acted with integrity and deeply cared for Ukraine’s future.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Oleksandr joined the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought in Luhansk region, sustaining two injuries but returning to duty each time. His comrades recall him as a reliable friend who always provided support.
He is survived by his parents, sister, extended family, and friends.
Andrii Shaposhnikov (“General”) (December 9, 1976 – March 8, 2025)
Born in Zaporizhzhia, Andrii graduated from Gymnasium No. 97 and later obtained a qualification as a commercial agent from a local technical college.
Throughout his career, he worked as a commercial director for a private enterprise in Zaporizhzhia. After the full-scale invasion, he was forced to leave his hometown and relocate to Lviv, where he worked as a manager. His loved ones recall that he always wore an embroidered shirt and was a pillar of strength for his family.
In 2024, he joined the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv. During his first combat mission, he was wounded but remained on the front lines. He was repeatedly recognized for his bravery and quickly rose to the rank of senior sergeant. As a tank commander, he risked his life to save his comrades under enemy fire.
Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.