Oleksandr Karandash was born and raised in Zaporizhzhia. He began his professional path at Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical Vocational School, where he obtained the qualification of a metallurgical production crane operator.
He began his professional path at the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical Vocational School, where he obtained the qualification of a metallurgical production crane operator.
At the end of 2018, Oleksandr was conscripted for compulsory military service, and later he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was during his military service that he met his future wife, Karina. Later, they worked together in the cold‑rolling shop – both as crane operators. Today, Karina is raising their children and maintaining the home front while her husband defends the country.
Oleksandr faced the full‑scale invasion while on combat duty.
"On the night of 23 to 24 February, I went on a 24‑hour duty shift. By early morning, we came under a very heavy missile strike. I saw Russian aircraft which, after launching missiles at our land, flew over and monitored the results of their strike. I called my then‑pregnant wife and told her to take shelter – the full‑scale war had begun," he recalls.
The initial emotions – shock and confusion – quickly gave way to a clear understanding: we had to act to save the lives of our comrades and accomplish our combat missions. And there were many such missions along Oleksandr’s path.
During his years of service, Oleksandr progressed from a machine gunner in a security unit to a UAV systems operator and mechanic in the interceptor platoon of the 164th Slobidska Radio-Technical Brigade of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His combat experience spans Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Dnipro, and Kharkiv operational directions.
"Combat experience does not come immediately, but develops over the years. The most important thing I have realized for myself is: the success of any operation is, first and foremost, not measured by the targets destroyed, but by the lives saved," the serviceman says.
Oleksandr holds the status of a combat veteran and has been awarded the 'Golden Cross' and the 'For Exemplary Service' badge. Yet he considers his greatest award to be his loving family – his wife Karina, son Maksym, and daughter Varvara.
His daughter, Varvara, was born in June 2022. At that time, Oleksandr was serving in Kharkiv region and, despite fuel shortages and enormous queues at gas stations, he was able to reach the maternity hospital on time thanks to the support of his comrades.
Today, Oleksandr is once again on the front line, in Zaporizhzhia region. He speaks frankly: the war has entered a difficult phase, everyone is exhausted, but they are holding on. Oleksandr is also supported by his colleagues from Zaporizhstal, who are always in touch. This unity between the front and the home front helps strengthen the country in challenging times.
"We stand for the sake of our children, our loved ones, and all Ukrainians – those of today and those yet to come. It is extremely important that service members receive support – it sustains their morale."
Recently, Oleksandr’s crew lost their vehicle – it was destroyed by an enemy FPV drone. Everyone survived, but the unit was left without critically needed transport and launched a fundraiser for a new vehicle.
On the fourth anniversary of the full‑scale war, we remember all those who stood up to defend Ukraine from the very first day. One and a half thousand Zaporizhstal employees joined the Defence Forces, and more than a thousand of them continue to serve today, defending our land every day. The resilience, strength, and devotion of our soldiers in defending the country inspire others, sustain civilian morale, and bring Ukraine closer to a just peace.
