On February 24, 2022, she returned to service after a concussion. Let's remember Olena Chernyk.

Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. Today, let's remember Olena Chernyk.

Olena Chernyk was born in 1982 in Mariupol, Donetsk region. Before the start of the Revolution of Dignity, Olena Chernyk worked as a dispatcher at a factory.

In 2014, she joined the self-defense forces. Initially, she patrolled with a unit of Ivano-Frankivsk residents. She joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the summer of 2016 to officially fight on the front line. As part of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade 'Aidar', she was engaged in aerial reconnaissance.

In September 2016, during the battles for Marinka, the woman sustained a concussion.

There was an explosion wave. I had a concussion. As of February 2020, I still haven't fully regained 20% hearing in my left ear (according to 'Glavkom'). And it may never recover. The left side is completely affected. My arm can go numb; my leg can too. There are still fragments in my leg. They will need to be removed. But for now, they don't bother me.

After demobilization, she was in military reserve. At home (living on Promenova Street in Mariupol), she embroidered icons with beads. She worked on her first piece for over a month.

Before my father's death, I promised him I would embroider an icon. I enjoyed it. I started embroidering icons. I distract myself; the more I immerse myself in work, the easier it gets for my heart. I forget everything.

On February 24, 2022, Olena returned to service. Soon, in March, she was killed. There are currently no exact dates or circumstances of her death in open sources.

The defender left behind a husband and a daughter.

Olena Chernyk was awarded the Order of 'For Courage' III degree (2022, posthumously, according to 'Glavkom') - for personal bravery and selfless actions displayed in defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, loyalty to military oath, exemplary performance of official duties.

'Glavkom' joins in a moment of silence. We honor the memory of all Ukrainians who died in the struggle for their homeland. We remember those who were killed by Russian invaders, light candles of remembrance, and bow our heads in grief during the nationwide moment of silence, honoring the bright memory of Ukrainian citizens who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the state: all military personnel, civilians, and children, all who died in the fight against Russian occupiers and as a result of the assault by hostile troops on Ukrainian cities and villages.