Artem I. Khvostyk (Khvost)

26-year-old fighter Artem Khvostyk (call sign Khvost) was killed on December 22, 2022, in a battle with the occupiers near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. During the performance of a combat mission, he, together with his brother Roman, came under enemy artillery fire. Artem was killed, Roman received serious injuries. Artem was born in the village of Shevchenkove, Kyiv region. He stuwas killed at the local school. Then he graduated from the National Aviation University with a degree in "Management of Organizations and Administration". He was engaged in airsoft, conducted training for young people. He loved to travel and take photographs. He was passionate about military affairs, although he did not serve in the army. After the end of the war, he wanted to open his own business, finish building a house and start a family. On the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, Artem, together with his older brother Roman, went to the military enlistment office. They joined the ranks of the 10th separate mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After military training, they took part in the liberation of the Chernihiv and Kharkiv regions from the occupiers. In April, their unit went to Donbas. "Artem was a kind, bright person. He never refused to help, but he never asked for it himself. Together with his brother, they joined the Armed Forces from the first day of the war. A true Hero," said his friend Vladislav Kuznetsov. "Thank you, my friend, for everything you have done for all of us, forgive us for what we did not do. You helped me start what I'm doing now, you went fishing with me and made the first releases! You wanted to remain "the voice behind the scenes" to keep subscribers in intrigue. Helped in everything. When I found out, it was as if half my life was torn from my chest, I miss you very much and still can't believe this happened to you. Friends forever..." wrote his friend Andrey Nikitas. "Tyomich, I will never forget... He was always so sincere, cheerful, kind, sociable. Where you were, there was always a holiday. You were a great friend. Probably, I will never be able to comprehend the courage, determination, and bravery that were in your heart. A true Warrior. Rest in peace, my friend... Now you are forever in our hearts and in our memory!" wrote his friend Taras Shlentak. The defender was buried in his native village. Artem left behind a mother and a brother.