Denys D. Kucherenko (Kim)

33-year-old soldier Denys Kucherenko (call sign Kim) was killed on August 10, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Poniatiwka in the Kherson region. The fighter was at the helm of a boat when Ukrainian soldiers were crossing the Dnipro River. The vessel came under mortar fire. Denys managed to evacuate the group from the shelling, but he was killed by a mine fragment. Denys was from the village of Stepanivka in the Odesa region. He graduated from high school but did not continue his studies, as he had to work to support his two younger sisters who were under his care. He lived in Odesa and was an auto mechanic in civilian life. He loved fishing and cooking. He dreamed of building a house and opening a small restaurant. He also dreamed of starting a family, as this was the most important thing for him. Denys did not live to see his wedding, as he was killed a month before it. During the full-scale invasion, he did not remain on the sidelines and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 126th separate brigade of the territorial defense. He was a scout. During his service, Denys was awarded a certificate, the "Veteran of War" order, and posthumously the "Badge of Honor". "I am Denys' bride, although he always said I was his wife. We have been together for 14 years. He was a person who really wanted to live. He had a difficult childhood and a very difficult life. He dreamed of starting a family, but always said after the war, because people and the country he swore an oath to came first. He volunteered from the very beginning of the invasion and dreamed of remaining in the ranks of the defenders after the war. He was a cheerful person who knew how to enjoy every moment. He was a loyal friend, always ready to help. And his main principles were truth and justice," said Alla Havdzynska. The fighter was buried in his native village. Denys is survived by his mother, stepfather, two sisters, son, and fiancée.