Ihor S. Burenko (Buryi)

Senior soldier Ihor Burenko (call sign Buryi) was killed in battle on June 30, 2024 near the city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. The defender was only 34 years old. Ihor was born in the village of Rozhnivka, Chernihiv region. From 1996 to 2006, he studied at the local secondary school. From his school years, he was associated with football. His father always dreamed that his son would become a footballer. The boy participated in competitions. As a schoolboy, as part of the "Temp" team, he played in the Ichnianskyi district football championship, becoming the champion of Ichnianskyi district. He also played for the Rozhnivka football team "Rozhnivka-Agro". After graduating from the 10th grade, he entered the Brovary Higher School of Physical Culture, and then studied at the National University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, where he obtained a full higher education in the specialty "Finance and Credit". As a student, he won silver at the Ukrainian Football Championship and received the title of Candidate Master of Sports. Later, in 2011, he helped the "MKK-Sinkom" team become the district champion, and in 2013 - the champion and cup holder of the "Dynamo-Ichnia" team. He served in the military unit A1479, and then was enrolled as a firefighter. Later, he mastered the specialty of a military firefighter. From May 15, 2024, he served in the 82nd separate air assault brigade. He held the position of rifleman - assistant grenadier. He continued to play football and win awards. "Ihor loved football so much that he even took his football uniform with him to the war," the Ichnianskyi community told about the warrior. "Ihor dreamed of a healthy, friendly family, of his own home, he always said: I want my son to have his own little nest. When Ihor had free time, he spent it with his family. He gave himself completely to his son, because for him the son was the Universe! He dreamed that his son would become a great footballer. He also loved to cook for the family, he always liked something unusual. Cooking was his element. Every weekend he surprised us with his masterpieces. He was and is in our memory a good man and a wonderful father of his children," wrote his wife Olena Burenko. At home, the defender was awaited by his parents, sister, wife, son Stanislav and daughter Liubava.