Heroes do not die: Yevgeny Grachev

"I was proud of my husband from the very first minute," says Alyona, wife of Yevhen Grachev. These words reflect the calm confidence of a woman who knew from the very beginning that her husband had chosen the path of honor and responsibility.

Intent continues the series of publications about fallen defenders called"Heroes Do Not Die".

In March 2022, Yevhen Hrachov joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Without any loud statements and without hesitation. He was clearly aware of what he was fighting for and understood who he would stand for to the end.

Yevhen Viktorovych was distinguished by his discipline, responsibility and constant striving for development. He quickly mastered new military specialties and continuously improved his skills. In 2024, it was thanks to his clear, professional and decisive actions that an important enemy logistics depot was discovered and completely destroyed. This strike significantly weakened the enemy and saved the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

PHOTO courtesy of the source

In July, a crew of a self-propelled artillery unit led by Grachev, now a chief sergeant of the battery of the 121st Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, fought heavy battles in the Kherson region. While performing a complex special mission, Yevhen Grachev was seriously wounded. Doctors at the stabilization center and later in the hospital fought for his life for two days. They did their best. But despite all their efforts, the warrior died, remaining faithful to his oath until his last breath.

On the eve of his last battle, Yevhen Hrachov received approval for an officer's appointment as a platoon commander. His combat career was moving forward. The chief sergeant was posthumously nominated for the state award, the Order "For Courage" of the III degree.

His wife Aliona tells us about Yevhen. She recalls the courage, endurance and constant striving for self-improvement of the man with whom she lived for years.

"Yevhen always remained calm and clearly saw his goal," says Aliona, "He was purposeful and balanced. I never saw him quarrel or argue. He knew how to be quiet, but there was strength in that silence. He was kind and at the same time a very strong spirit."

They met in 2007. In 2009, the couple had a daughter, Kira, and six years later, the younger Marharyta. Family has always been the main value for Yevhen.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

He worked hard because he wanted to give his daughters confidence in the future. He started out at Ukrzaliznytsia as a train assembler, regulating the movement of cars and trains. It was responsible and hard work, and it hardened his character.

Eventually, Yevhen found a business in which he put his heart and soul. When Alyona was on maternity leave with their youngest daughter, he began to develop his own apiary. Working with bees united the whole family. He put warmth and care into each hive. He liked being at the apiary in the woods, among nature, next to his family.

PHOTO provided by the interviewee

Yevhen made his own tinctures and ointments. Together the family pumped honey, worked and earned money. Aliona's brother joined the business. After the season was over, Zhenia would take a short vacation and then look for work again-for the house, for Kira and Marharyta.

The eldest daughter Kira is very similar to her father in personality. She is calm and reasonable and often says: "Everything should be done deliberately, like dad." Yevhen was never in a hurry, but he was always on time.

Margarita was his special love. When Alyona went to work in Poland, Zhenia stayed with his daughter. He was both a father and a mother to her - reliable, patient, and attentive.

Yevhen had clear life principles. He did not speak loudly about them and did not impose them on others, but always stood firm in his convictions. It was hard to break him.

Alyona knew that her husband was a patriot and sincerely loved Ukraine. Not with loud words, but with actions. Already in the army, he found like-minded people and true comrades-in-arms.

When the full-scale war broke out, men from their village of Nove in Kirovohrad region began to set up checkpoints. Yevhen said it simply: he didn't know how things would turn out, but he would be with those who stood up to defend the country.

He went to the military enlistment office and on March 15 officially joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He began his service as a driver in a motor company, then served in a commandant's company, and later in a special unit. There, he underwent heavy physical training in the gym and at the stadium.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

The command appreciated him for his responsibility and dedication. Yevhen was trained in Lithuania, became a gunner, and quickly mastered working with Kropyva and other combat programs.

He started his career in artillery as a mortar gunner, but he was constantly growing. The number of certificates and tolerances increased, as did the calibers of the weapons he used to destroy the enemy. Yevhen thought about becoming an instructor and had the necessary qualifications for this, but he stayed where he was needed most - on the battlefield.

Later, Zhenya became a group commander. He took care of his soldiers, was there for them in the most difficult moments, supported and helped them. He did everything he could to ensure that everyone fulfilled their mission and returned alive.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

The last communication between them was through a video call. Alyona and her daughters were riding a catamaran, and Yevhen was watching them and really wanted to be there.

"From the first moments Yevhen went to war, I was proud of my husband," says Aliona, "He endured everything for us and for the sake of the whole country.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

He was respected by his family and friends. He was valued in the army. He could always be relied on.

Yevhen Grachev went his way to the end - as a true Warrior and as a true Man.

Антон Терехов