Danylo B. Melnyk (Kenon)

Soldier Danylo Melnyk (call sign Canon) was killed on May 10, 2023 near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The warrior received shrapnel wounds to the head and chest while carrying out a combat mission, which he volunteered for instead of his wounded comrade. Exactly one month later, the defender would have turned 30 years old. Danylo was born in the village of Ustymivka, Kyiv region. He lived in the capital. He studied at the Mykola Lysenko Music School. Later, he graduated from the master's program at the Kyiv University of Culture and Arts, where he studied the bandura at the Faculty of Music. He had a wonderful voice. He sang in the choir of the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the UGCC. He taught music art at Kyiv Gymnasium No. 48. He loved to travel and animals, and had many friends. He participated in the Revolution of Dignity. He fought in the ATO as part of the Donbas battalion. He went through Ilovaysk, participated in the battles for Lysychansk and Popasna. He was awarded the "For Valiant Service" badge and the "For Military Service to Ukraine" medal. After the start of the full-scale invasion, Danylo mastered the profession of a UAV operator and successfully carried out military missions as part of a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He took part in the battles for the capital, and then moved to other hot spots on the front line. "Danylo had a very strong character. In childhood, he had a disease of the legs. From 5 to 11 years old, he underwent 8 complex operations. He never complained, bravely endured all trials. He was principled and fair, always stood up for the weaker. At the same time, he was very modest and gentle, could listen and support, loved life and everything alive. He knew how to love and show care, was a wonderful son, brother, husband, always found a good word for friends. Danylo believed in God. He loved to play the piano and listen to the rain, was interested in technology, traveled... And above all, he loved Ukraine. He dreamed of seeing it strong, free and independent," wrote the fallen warrior's wife Inna. The hero was buried in the Alley of Glory of the Forest Cemetery in Kyiv. Danylo is survived by his wife, relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms.