Illia P. Chekmeniov (Nindzia)

25-year-old Senior Sergeant Illia Chekmenov (call sign Ninja) was killed on March 15, 2024 near the village of Ternі in the Donetsk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he was blown up by an enemy mine and suffered fatal injuries. Illia was born in the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region. He studied at the Dnipropetrovsk State University of Internal Affairs. For some time, he worked at the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant. After completing his military service, he signed a contract. He repeatedly participated in competitions in applied and tactical shooting, where he was a prize-winner. He was also a candidate for the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in Sambo. During the full-scale Russian invasion, Illia fought as part of the National Guard of Ukraine. He was a soldier of the 1st Presidential Brigade of Special Purpose named after Hetman Petro Doroshenko "Burevii". He held the position of combat training instructor. "He was the best man and a wonderful father to our son Danylko. Remembering this with tears in my eyes, I want to wish everyone to have such a beloved person as my husband. He was the one who with a smile went through fire and water for us, our son and his loved ones. He could easily lend a helping hand to those in need. A worthy son of his parents and his country!" - said the wife of the fallen Valeria. The National Guard soldier was buried in the Alley of Glory of the cemetery in his hometown. Illia is survived by his father, younger brother, wife and son.