Romani Ukrainian soldier Andrii Salko laid to rest in Uzhhorod, mourners carried the Romani flag behind his coffin

17 April 2023

1 minute read

In Uzhhorod, Ukraine on 17 April 2023, final respects were paid to the late officer and soldier Mr. Andrii Salko who, like many other Romani Ukrainians, defended Ukraine from Russian occupation. (PHOTO: Facebook profile of Myroslav Horvat)

Mr. Andrii Salko (46) has been laid to rest in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, an officer and a soldier who, just like other Romani Ukrainians, had been defending Ukraine from Russian occupation. After sustaining severe battle wounds and a long course of treatment, he passed away on 12 April.

Local Romani people carried the Romani flag behind the hearse carrying his coffin to his final resting place. Andrii Zoltanovich Salko was born 16 August 1976 in Uzhhorod.

After finishing school, he apprenticed as a carpenter and worked for different enterprises in the city. He became a defender of Ukraine in 2014, when he fought in the east against Russian separatists.

After the Russian Army invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Mr. Salko defended his homeland once more. He was repeatedly decorated for his bravery and courage.

“Andrii was an amazing, sincere, honest and devoted man. He always came to see me on behalf of people who needed aid. Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of this hero at this bitter moment. May he rest in peace,” Romani activist Myroslav Horvat of Uzhhorod posted to Facebook.

Those who came to pay their last respects to the Romani Ukrainian soldier were members of his family, friends, fellow soldiers, Mayor Bogdan Andrijev, Deputy Commander of the Uzhhorod Regional Military Office Radion Kistulinets, and local residents. The funeral procession walked to the Hill of Glory, where he was buried with military honors.

Mr. Salko leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son. As news server Romea.cz has previously reported, the Russian occupation of Ukraine has severely impacted local Romani communities.

V Užhorodě se 17. 4. 2023 rozloučili s 46letým vojákem, důstojníkem, Andrijem Salkem, který se stejně jako další Romové postavili na obranu Ukrajiny před ruskou okupací. (FOTO: Facebook Myroslava Horvata)

Although before the war military service was perceived by many Romani people as something “not Romani”, many have changed their minds, put on the uniform and joined the defense of Ukraine. Romani minority members say their wartime efforts could break down barriers in Ukrainian society, and many feel “more Ukrainian” now.