Yevgen Bushmakín died on July 18. His wife Olena learned about it on July 21 — from an official notification from the TCC (Territorial Defense Center). The actor was 45 years old, leaving behind a wife and son at home.
From the Silver Screen to an Assault Brigade
Bushmakín was born in Poltava and graduated in 2005 from the directing faculty of Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, specializing in directing and teaching. In cinema, he was known primarily for leading roles in two films by director Toni Noyabreva — the short film "Independence Day" (2012) and the feature film "Heroes of My Time" (2018). For his role as Zhorik in the latter, he was nominated for the Golden Dzyga award in the category of "Best Actor." He also appeared in "Crazy Wedding," "Everything Will Be Fine," and "Do You Love Me?"
He was mobilized in late April 2026 — not through a draft notice delivered to his home, but directly on the street near his own house.
"They almost kidnapped him through the TCC. Just on the street, near his house. They took his phone and immediately sent him to an assault brigade."
— Director Toni Noyabreva on Instagram
"He Was an Ordinary Man"
His wife Olena Bushmakina confirmed her husband's death and described the circumstances without softening.
"Zhenya died as a soldier. Although he was not a soldier. Neither by calling, nor by desire, nor by worldview. He was an ordinary man who, like thousands of our men, had to put on a military uniform."
— Olena Bushmakina, Instagram
According to her, three months passed from mobilization to his death. Bushmakín tried to find a position in the military according to his profession — he did not have time.
What He Left Behind
- A nomination for the Golden Dzyga — the only one in his filmography, and it remains in his name.
- Noyabreva, who wrote screenplays specifically for him, called him an "outstanding actor, teacher, and friend."
- All details of the circumstances of his death — the location, the unit, the combat situation — have not been officially disclosed.
Bushmakín's death is part of a broader picture: actors, teachers, doctors end up in assault units not through selection based on skills, but because they happened to be on the street at the "right" time. If the state does not change the principle of distributing mobilized personnel according to their profession and experience, the next Golden Dzyga will again honor someone posthumously.
