Artem V. Matukhno (Bizon)

28-year-old soldier Artem Matukhno (call sign Bison) was killed on April 25, 2022, in a battle with the occupiers near the city of Izium in the Kharkiv region. During an enemy mortar shelling, he sustained a shrapnel wound to the neck, but did not notice it as he was helping to rescue an injured comrade. He from blood loss. Artem was born in the city of Dnipro. He stu at secondary school No. 119. He then obtained a profession as a painter-plasterer at Dnipro Vocational Technical School No. 6. In his teenage years, he practiced MMA, competed in tournaments, and took first places. Due to a knee injury, he could not continue to pursue this sport professionally. He loved extreme activities, cars, and meeting with friends. He loved animals, especially dogs. He dreamed of building a house and starting his own business. With the onset of the full-scale war, Artem joined the ranks of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar." He received the call sign Bison, which belonged to his father—a veteran of the ATO. Together with his comrades, he defended the Kharkiv region from the occupiers. "We lived together in a civil marriage for almost 5 years. We dreamed of buying a house, having children, and traveling. We believed we were still young and had time for everything. During this time, he became the closest and dearest person in the world to me, my friend, the one who always helped and supported me, my ideal man. He was a loyal friend and brother. He purposefully pursued every goal. He never feared difficulties; they even motivated him to act. For me, he was the most courageous, reliable, and loving. With him, I felt like I was behind a stone wall. He went to war as a volunteer from the first days. I love him endlessly, forever in my heart, my Hero," said the deceased's beloved Marina. "You are always with us. In our hearts and memories. You are our Hero. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!" wrote his father, Vitaliy Matukhno. The warrior was buried in his hometown. Artem is survived by his parents, two brothers, his beloved girlfriend, grandmother, and many relatives. Soldier Artem Matukhno was posthumously awarded the Order of "For Courage" III degree.