Artem O. Hryhorenko (Baret)

26-year-old serviceman Artem Gryhorenko (call sign Barett) was killed on September 8, 2022, during the liberation of the Kharkiv region. Artem was born in the city of Nizhyn, Chernihiv region. He graduated from local school No. 15 and the Nizhyn Professional Agricultural Lyceum. He enrolled in the History and Law Faculty of Nizhyn State University named after Mykola Hohol. In his free time, the young man engaged in sports and had many awards in wrestling. He loved cars and spent a lot of time with friends, being a reliable companion. After the death of his father, he became the only man in his family. After receiving his diploma, Artem decided to defend Ukraine and went to serve in the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Konstantyn Ostrozky. As part of the unit, Barett carried out combat missions in the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO). "While studying at school, Artem was a kind, calm, sociable boy. Above all, he aspired to see Ukraine free and prosperous. That is why since 2016, Artem Gryhorenko has been at the forefront. The hero bravely defended its sovereignty and independence," wrote the director of Nizhyn School No. 15, Tetiana Pavliuchenko. "Artem was a brave, dignified, courageous defender of our Motherland. He had many plans for the future, which, unfortunately, he did not have time to realize," said the defender's sister, Kateryna. Artem was buried at the Frunzyvskyi Cemetery in his hometown of Nizhyn. At home, his grandmother, mother, and sister were waiting for him.