Veteran Pavlo Kushniriv dies at 45 in Brovary

Renowned athlete and veteran previously passed away

On 13 November, news emerged of the death of Pavlo Kushniriv, also known by the nickname "Staff". He was 45 years old. The man was a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a boxer, and one of the founders of the veterans' cafe "Stabik" in the city of Brovary in Kyiv Oblast. The tragic news was announced by his relatives, as well as the Ukrainian Veterans' Boxing League.

Path from service station to the front

Before the full-scale invasion, Pavlo worked at an automobile service station. In 2022, he voluntarily went to defend the country, ending up on the Bakhmut direction. In May 2023, during combat operations, he sustained a severe injury that resulted in the amputation of both lower limbs.

Return to activity and sport

Despite the loss of his limbs, Kushniriv did not stop. He returned to an active lifestyle and took up boxing. In October 2025, he competed in the first wheelchair boxing match in Ukraine. Pavlo's opponent was veteran Mykhailo "Sever" Drobotenko. The match ended in a draw.

Joint venture with his wife

Together with his wife Liidiia, Pavlo established the "Stabik" establishment in Brovary. This project aimed not only at business but also at creating a space for communication, meetings, and mutual support among veterans, military personnel, their families, and local residents. According to Kushniriv, it took four months to realise the idea and open the cafe.

Farewell and burial details

The farewell ceremony for Pavlo Kushniriv will take place on 15 November at 11:30 at Freedom Square in Brovary. At 12:00, a requiem service is scheduled at the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (22A Heroes of Ukraine Street). The veteran will be buried in the Alley of Glory at 136 Oleha Onikiienka Street.