Kyiv residents ask for street to be renamed after Azov soldier 'Sukhar' who died after returning from captivity

Residents of Kyiv are asking for Peremyshlska Street to be renamed in honour of fallen Azov commander and Kyiv resident Oleh Mudrak, who went by the alias Sukhar. He had been fighting since 2014 and was the commander of the 1st Battalion of the Azov Regiment and a defender of Mariupol. Oleh survived Russian captivity and the terrorist attack on the Olenivka penal colony, but died after coming home as a result of the torture he underwent, according to the Association of Azovstal Defenders' Families.

Details: A petition to rename the street in the Podilskyi district has already gained 6,000 signatures, which means it must be considered by the city authorities.

Quote from the statement: "In his civilian life, Oleh was a wonderful and caring son, brother and reliable friend. He lived in Vynohradar [a historical neighbourhood in Kyiv - ed.] and attended specialised school No.

193 in the Podilskyi district, walking down Peremyshlska (formerly Chervonopilska) Street every day. Oleh was a true patriot who proved his love and devotion to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people not only in word, but also in deed."

Oleg Mudrak took part in the Shyrokyne operation, Azov's rotation during the defence of the Svitlodarsk arch, and defended Mariupol and Azovstal. He was a fan of FC CSKA Kyiv (Central Sports Club of the Armed Forces Kyiv). He held the rank of major and was an experienced commander and a role model for his personnel.

He received numerous awards, including the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, third class, the Defender of the Motherland medal, and the Defender of Mariupol medal. After the extremely difficult defence of Mariupol in May 2022, he left the territory of Azovstal together with other defenders. In captivity, he survived inhumane torture and the Russian terrorist attack on Olenivka on 28-29 July.

Quote from the Association: "The photo of Sukhar from captivity, thin and emaciated, stirred up social media in the summer of 2022 -- the burly warrior looked nothing like himself."

Photo: Alina Ledina/Facebook

On 21 September 2022, Sukhar came home as part of an exchange, but the effects of the torture were noticeable. Oleh failed to regain his lost health, and his heart stopped on the morning of 21 February 2023. He was 35 years old.

Quote from Oleh's nephew Danylo: "Oleh Vasylovych Mudrak is a major, a hero, a man of steel, my uncle, my brother, my support, my pride, a beacon to me and an example of character! He loved this life, enjoyed it, and inspired the hearts of all the people around him. He was never afraid of death because it was afraid of him.

And I am sure that he went on his journey without fear, accompanied by incredibly beautiful Valkyries. And on the same day, he arrived at the hall where he saw his friends waiting for him with all the honours!" Earlier, the Olenivka Families Community [families of prisoners of war who suffered as a result of the terrorist attack on the Olenivka penal colony - ed.] asked for Days of Mourning and Commemoration of the victims of the terrorist attack to be established.

A petition on the president's website gained 25,000 signatures.

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