Three times she had the opportunity to leave Mariupol, but she refused. Let us remember Natalia Strebkova.

Every day at 9 AM, Ukrainians honor the memory of all whose lives were taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today we remember Natalia Strebkova.

The life of sergeant, clerk of the separate special forces unit 'Azov' Natalia Strebkova (call sign Zoryana) ended on April 15, 2022, as a result of the bombings of 'Azovstal' by the Russians. This was reported by the daughter of the serviceman, Irina Shmatko, on her Facebook page on July 31.

Natalia Strebkova was born on February 20, 1977. She lived in Poltava and worked as a hairdresser. After divorcing her husband with whom she had a daughter, she met the military Alexey Strebkova and married him in 2016.

According to her daughter Irina, Natalia had a strong character and was ready to stand her ground for what was dear to her. She worked as a military clerk in 'Azov' in Mariupol. Before the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they together with her husband evacuated their dog and documents from Mariupol and returned to defend the city.

Natalia Strebkova died during the bombing of 'Azovstal' on April 15, 2022. She was buried in Kyiv, and the heroine was awarded the Order of 'For Courage' of the III degree.

Irina with her ashes was waiting for the return of her husband, Alexey Strebkova, who was taken prisoner, but he was exchanged in September 2022.

The heroine was survived by her husband, daughter, and four grandchildren. Irina gave birth to her fourth child, a daughter, and named her Zoryana in honor of her mother.