In Zaporizhzhia, the memory of the fallen Defenders of Ukraine was honoured. Eighty-five new bells have appeared on the "Tree of Memory" memorial in Zaporizhzhia as a symbol of honour and remembrance for the fallen Defenders of Ukraine. The bells bear 85 names – 85 lives given for the freedom of Ukraine.
It is worth noting that the "Tree of Memory" memorial was opened in Metallurgists Park in October 2024 as part of the international contemporary art festival GOGOLFEST POKROVA, with the support of Metinvest Group. Instead of conventional leaves, the steel "branches" of the tree feature tubular bells. They create a bell-ringing melody and symbolise the echo of the fallen Heroes' voices. The tree itself is a symbol of the struggle and resilience of Ukrainians in their desire for freedom.
Traditionally, families of the fallen Heroes, whose names will now appear on the "Tree of Memory", are invited to the event.
The ceremony was attended by Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, Ivan Fedorov; Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, Olena Zhuk; Deputy Mayor Serhii Bilov; Deputy Mayor and Executive Committee Manager Arkadii Mieshkov; representatives of the regional and city authorities, district state administrations, military personnel, police officers, representatives of the State Emergency Service, priests, and members of the youth movement "Baida".
Artists from the Zaporizhzhia House of Actors presented a touching theatrical performance depicting the fate of women who had waited, but never saw their husbands return from war. The families of the fallen handed over the bells, which were mounted onto special structures. After the names of the fallen soldiers were announced, the modules with the bells were raised onto the "Tree of Memory".
Among the names of the heroic Defenders was Bohdan Lysiakov. He was only 23 years old. He enjoyed reading books, making things, playing computer games, and volunteering.
Bogdan's mother, Nataliia BLOKHINA, recalled her son:
"He was honest, determined, and dreamed of trains. He graduated from the Zaporizhzhia Children Railway. Afterwards, he graduated from the Zaporizhzhia Lyceum of Railway Transport and worked at Zaporizhstal, again on the railways, as an assistant locomotive driver. He studied by correspondence, hoping to become a locomotive driver. He dreamed of seeing the world and was a very responsible person."
In 2023, Bohdan joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as a drone operator at the 43th Brigade in the Kupiansk sector. His technical mindset helped him quickly master his military speciality. As his mother says, his passion for computer games greatly helped Bohdan in operating drones.
Bohdan Lysiakov died in August 2025 in Kharkiv region.
"They arrived at their positions, during their arrival a very heavy bombardment began. First, an FPV drone struck, causing an explosion, and then the same location was shelled with everything that could possibly be used at that moment. Unfortunately, he died there," said Nataliia Blokhina.
Bohdan Lysiakov was posthumously awarded the Presidential distinction "For the Defence of Ukraine".
The daughter of Defender Serhii Kulahin, Kateryna, also attended the ceremony. He worked at Zaporizhcoke. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he fought in the Donetsk sector as part of the 115th Separate Mechanised Brigade and held the rank of senior soldier. He died in 2022 near Vodiane.
"He was very kind and caring father. He always tried to help, no matter what happened," recalls Kateryna KULAHINA.
Unfortunately, the "Tree of Memory" continues to grow. Every new bell serves as a reminder of the people who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine and the future of coming generations.
The memory of the fallen was honoured with a minute of silence. Flowers were laid at the "Tree of Memory" as a sign of grief and respect for the fallen soldiers.
