Serhii Lubinets was born on 17 May 1976 in the city of Mariupol, eastern Ukraine. After completing secondary school, he attended the city’s Vocational School No.1 where he specialized in automotive mechanics (1991–1994). From that point onwards, his entire career revolved around technology and machinery. Serhii worked as a driver, forklift operator and an engine repair specialist – and everything he did was carried out with love and exceptional skill.
Serhii joined the ICRC’s office in Mariupol in May 2017 as a truck driver delivering humanitarian aid to frontline communities across the Donetsk region. Colleagues remember him as an exceptional person – a source of light, warmth and an inspiration to all who knew him. He shone with kindness, professionalism and a boundless love for life.
The full-scale war in 2022 found Serhii in his hometown of Mariupol. Together with his family, he endured the horrors of the blockade, but he still managed to find the strength to help others despite the challenges. He was one of those rare individuals who brought hope to others, even in the darkest times. Serhii moved to the ICRC’s subdelegation in Dnipro because of the widening conflict, but he always dreamed of returning to his beloved Mariupol, the city he held so dearly in his heart.
His colleagues and friends often shared stories about him. One such tale happened in winter when they had to drive along an icy serpentine road in Sviatohirsk. Serhii was behind the wheel of a 20-tonne truck. In the critical moment when the vehicle started sliding backwards, he kept his composure and joked: “Well, folks, hold on to the dashboard; I’ll steer us out of this!” His confidence and skill saved everyone in that situation.
Serhii was the life and soul of every gathering. His jokes always lightened the mood, and his famous phrase, “I’ll pull out my beret now!”, immediately stopped even the fiercest arguments. Beyond this, he was a walking encyclopedia – an expert in vehicle repairs who willingly shared his knowledge with anyone in need.
To his loved ones, Serhii was more than a brother, son or husband. His sister fondly remembers how he always protected her, covering up for her mischief in front of their parents. He was someone you could always rely on for help, advice and unwavering support in any situation.
On 12 September 2024, Serhii was part of an ICRC team delivering winter fuel to the village of Viroliubivka, Donetsk region, when their vehicles were hit by shellfire. Serhii, who was 48, and two colleagues – Denys Horodetskyi and Vladimir Shamsky – were killed in the attack. Two other ICRC staff members were injured.
Speaking after the tragedy, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric condemned their deaths in the strongest terms: “It’s unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured. This tragedy unleashes a wave of grief all too familiar to those who have lost loved ones in armed conflict.”
Serhii left a bright mark on the lives of many. He was someone who always gave help, support and hope to others, no matter the circumstances. His many good deeds, sincerity and love for life will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
