Anatolii Ya. Kovalenko (Kai)

Sergeant Anatoliy Kovalenko (call sign Kai) was killed on October 29, 2022 during the defense of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The 41-year-old warrior's life was cut short by enemy mortar fire. Anatoliy was born in the village of Sofiyivka, Cherkasy region, and was the third and youngest child in the family. After graduating from the National Academy of Internal Affairs in Kyiv, he served in the National Police of Ukraine. He held the position of senior operative officer in especially important cases and had the rank of police captain. In 2014, since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, he fought in the ATO zone in Donbas, including in Bakhmut. During the full-scale Russian invasion, he defended Ukraine as part of the 25th Brigade of Public Order Protection named after Prince Askold of the National Guard of Ukraine (military unit 3030). He was a squad commander. As Anatoliy was one of the oldest and most experienced warriors in his unit, he was a second father and mentor to his younger comrades-in-arms. "He was an example of a true father and caring husband. For me and our son Maks, this is an irreparable loss, the enemy took from us a father, a loving husband, our hope and support. There are not enough words to describe all our pain and suffering. He was a true warrior, a defender, an example of courage, the best husband and father. ow he will forever live in our hearts. We love and are infinitely proud of him," said the wife of the fallen Yulia. The warrior was buried in his native village. At home, Anatoliy was awaited by his parents, brother, sister, wife, and son.