Denys Yu. Myronov (Novik)

A fighter of the territorial defense of Kherson, reserve major Denys Myronov (call sign Novik) died on April 23, 2022, while being held captive in the territory of Crimea occupied by the Russians. The defender died as a result of torture, having suffered a broken rib cage and a punctured lung. He was 43 years old. Denys was born in Belarus. He spent a significant part of his life in Dnipropetrovsk region. He graduated with honors from the Odessa Institute of Ground Forces. He retired from service in 2008 with the rank of major and engaged in entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector. Together with his wife Ksenia, he raised a 12-year-old son. The family settled in Kherson. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he enlisted in the 124th Territorial Defense Brigade of Kherson region. He was appointed deputy commander of a company. However, when the city was occupied, Denys remained there, engaged in volunteering, and monitored enemy positions. He eagerly awaited the liberation of Kherson. On March 27, Denys went to get fuel and did not return. In April, his wife learned that he was being held captive and was in serious condition after torture. Later, the prisoners were taken to Sevastopol. In May, the officer's body was returned to his family after a prisoner exchange. Denys was buried in Novomoskovsk in Dnipropetrovsk region. "The best person in my life, a loving husband, and a wonderful father is gone. He was kind, brave, a man of his word, a true patriot of his country!" noted his wife Ksenia. He is survived by his wife and son.