Ukrainian Jewish Soldier Buried in Kiev — One Month Later
Image by Getty Images
A Ukrainian Jewish soldier who died last month amid Russian-backed separatist fighting was buried in Kiev.
Yevgeni Yatsina, who was almost 26, was brought to burial in the capital on Friday following the discovery of his body, which was covered by debris since he died in an explosion last month in the country’s east, the news website newsru.co.il reported.
Yatsina was Jewish according to religious Jewish law, the Jewish Community of Dnepropetrovsk wrote Friday in a eulogy which it posted on its website, which refers to Yatsina as a hero.
He died at Donetsk’s airport on Jan. 19, the report said.
Ukrainian troops have been fighting since March with separatists in and around Donetsk, Lugansk and a number of other cities, where their fight is supported by Russia. Thousands of soldiers and civilians have died in the fighting, which diminished earlier this month following the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Minsk, Belarus.
While many Ukrainian Jews support the government’s fight, many others – especially in the areas directly affected by the fighting – oppose it and support the secessionists.
Yatsina’s former classmates at the economics faculty of Kyiv National Linguistic University described him as a cheerful, witty and upbeat person, a Ukrainian Jewish news website reported.
His body was buried at Kiev’s Berkovetskaya Cemetery following a ceremony held at one of the capital’s synagogues.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
