In his battle for Ukraine, Pavlo Petrychenko used not only weapons but also his voice. A renowned activist in Kyiv, he fought against corrupt Ukrainian officials and demanded justice for his fellow activists, including Kateryna Handziuk, who was murdered in 2018. Petrychenko helped establish a volunteer center to support the military until he decided to join the Armed Forces himself during the full-scale war. He participated in liberating part of southern Kherson Oblast and fought in heavy combat in eastern Donetsk Oblast. In March, while fighting on the front line, Petrychenko initiated a battle against online gambling’s negative influence on soldiers, creating a petition to ban gambling and online casinos for military personnel during martial law. Tragically, Petrychenko was killed in combat in Donetsk Oblast on April 15, one day before his 32nd birthday.
More than 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the full-scale invasion by Russia began. President Zelensky praised Petrychenko’s dedication to Ukraine and expressed condolences to his family. Petrychenko’s funeral in Kyiv attracted hundreds of soldiers and civilians who gathered to pay their respects. Petrychenko’s fight for Ukraine’s independence began before the invasion, as he took part in the 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution. He organized public initiatives and protests against corruption and illegal activities in his neighborhood in Kyiv. Petrychenko was a bright, determined individual with a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and injustice, according to his friends.
When Kateryna Handziuk, a close friend and fellow activist, was attacked and killed in 2018, Petrychenko became a leading voice in demanding justice for her. He initiated the “Who ordered Kateryna Handziuk’s murder?” public initiative, which led to the conviction of the suspects responsible for her death. Petrychenko’s heightened sense of justice and care for regular Ukrainians drove him to fight for a better future for his country. Despite his numerous achievements, he remained humble and focused on creating positive change. Petrychenko recognized the impact of online gambling on soldiers and initiated a campaign to ban gambling and online casino access for military personnel during martial law.
Petrychenko’s dedication to Ukraine extended to his involvement in Serhiy Prytula’s political party and his work with the Prytula Charity Foundation, which supported Ukrainian defenders. A top figure in aerial reconnaissance, Petrychenko believed drones were crucial in modern warfare. He was deeply empathetic, caring for his fellow soldiers and coping with the loss of friends, including Roman Ratushnyi, who was killed in combat. Despite his military decorations and recognition for bravery, Petrychenko remained focused on making a difference and standing up for what he believed in.
The fight against online gambling initiated by Petrychenko continues even after his death, with President Zelensky ordering authorities to address the issue. Petrychenko’s friends hope that his efforts will lead to a victory in banning gambling for military personnel. They also hope that Petrychenko will be posthumously awarded the Hero of Ukraine title, the highest national honor. Despite the loss of such dedicated individuals like Petrychenko, Ukrainian activists and supporters remain determined to push forward and defend their country. In his final interviews, Petrychenko emphasized the importance of truth and unity in the face of Russian aggression, urging Ukrainians to continue fighting for freedom and justice.
