The city of Uman gathered today, 27 July, to mourn the loss of its former mayor, Oleksandr Tsebriy, who died in combat defending Ukraine. Tsebriy, who led the city from 2015 to 2020, was killed in action on 24 July in Donetsk Oblast while fulfilling a combat mission as part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Residents of Uman gathered to pay their final respects to Tsebriy. The ceremony honoured his dedication and sacrifice for his country.
Funeral of the Former Mayor of Uman Who Died on the Front Line / Collage by Channel 24
Tsebriy joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February 2022, responding to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. He served as a junior sergeant and commanded a machine gun section in the 58th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade.
In addition to his public service and military duties, Tsebriy was also a blogger, sharing the realities of his daily life on the front line with his Facebook followers. His candid posts provided a window into the hardships and camaraderie of soldiers, resonating with many who followed his journey.
A day of mourning was declared in Uman, marking the profound sense of loss felt throughout the community.
Tsebriy’s funeral was attended by numerous citizens, fellow mayors from across Ukraine, and representatives from the Association of Ukrainian Cities.
Vitali Klitschko
Among the dignitaries present was Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, who joined others in commemorating Tsebriy’s service and courage.
Tsebriy’s tenure as mayor was marked by his commitment to improving the lives of Uman’s residents. He worked tirelessly to enhance the city’s infrastructure, public services, and community well-being. His leadership from 2015 to 2020 left a lasting impact, and his decision to join the military exemplified his dedication to his country.
Aline Kryvosheya, spokesperson for the Cherkasy Regional Centre for Recruitment and Social Support, highlighted Tsebriy’s bravery and leadership on the battlefield. He was known for his steadfast commitment to his duties and his exceptional courage under fire.
Tsebriy’s death has not only left a void in the hearts of his fellow citizens but has also been a significant loss for Ukraine. His contributions, both as a mayor and a soldier, embody a life devoted to unwavering service and profound sacrifice.
Uman: A City of Rich History and Cultural Significance
The city of Uman, located in central Ukraine, is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage. With a population of around 85,000, Uman is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, particularly the famous Sofiyivka Park. This park, a masterpiece of garden and landscape design, was established in the late 18th century and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Sofiyivka Park
Uman is also known for its diverse cultural tapestry, being a significant site for the annual pilgrimage of Hasidic Jews. Each year, tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, which is located in the city. This event underscores Uman’s role as a centre of religious and cultural significance.
Throughout its history, Uman has faced numerous challenges but has always demonstrated resilience and unity. The spirit of the city is embodied in its community’s ability to come together in times of need, as seen in the collective mourning for Oleksandr Tsebriy.
Oleksandr Tsebriy: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Tsebriy was born on 4 June 1974 in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, then part of the Ukrainian SSR.
He completed his education at the Uman branch of Cherkasy Cooperative Economic and Legal College in 1992 and later earned a master’s degree in enterprise economics from Uman State Pedagogical University in 2015.
As mayor of Uman from 2015 to 2020, Tsebriy focused on infrastructure development and public services improvement. His administration faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he took radical measures to protect the city.
In February 2022, Tsebriy joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a response to the Russian invasion. Serving as a junior sergeant in the 58th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, he demonstrated exceptional bravery, ultimately sacrificing his life during an assault on enemy positions in Donetsk Oblast on 24 July 2024.
His service was recognised with the Order of Courage, Third Class, awarded posthumously on 7 March 2024, for his personal bravery and dedication to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Tsebriy is survived by his wife, Natalia Mykolayivna, and their two sons, Dmytro and Andriy. His legacy as a dedicated public servant and a courageous soldier will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and the wider community he served.
Oleksandr Tsebriy’s Final Facebook Post
Just five days before his untimely death, Tsebriy shared a poignant post on Facebook that resonated deeply with many:
“Who wants to be ‘Mayor’? Even if just for a week? A night march of 20 km, we returned completely exhausted by dawn, even the laces of our boots were wet. I stripped off everything, washed with a bottle of water, and passed out without feeling the planks of different thicknesses that make up the floor and usually press harshly into my ribs.
I have a favourite kind of whisky (lots of smoke and peat). So, I tasted it in my dream. I was at home, in my favourite chair, among my loved ones, with a glass of whisky. A great dream, I hope it comes true. But someone, please be the Mayor for this period!”
Rest in peace, Oleksandr Tsebriy. Your bravery and leadership will never be forgotten.
Photo Source: Facebook profile of Oleksandr Tsebriy
Read also:
The Mould of Time: An Artistic Reflection on the War in Ukraine and the Resilience of Its People
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