Leonid V. Khelemskyi (Hyria)

Sergeant Major Leonid Khelemskyi (call sign Gyria) was killed on July 6, 2023, in combat with the occupiers near the village of Klishchiyivka in the Donetsk region. At the cost of his own life, he saved his comrades, but received a fatal explosive injury. The warrior was forever 44 years old. Leonid was born and lived in Kyiv. He graduated from the State University of Information and Communication Technologies with a degree in "Information Communication Networks", and obtained the qualification of a research fellow, university lecturer, and engineer in the field of electronics and telecommunications. He worked in various companies, including Ukrtelecom. His last job was at the "Blockbuster" shopping center, where he held the position of Chief Communications Engineer. In his free time, he was engaged in sports. In 2015-2019, Leonid, as part of the reconnaissance platoon of the airborne assault battalion of the 79th separate airborne assault brigade, participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation / Joint Forces Operation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. During his service, he was repeatedly awarded for the conscientious performance of his duties. On February 24, 2022, the man returned to the army. This time, he defended his native country as part of the 129th battalion of the 112th separate territorial defense brigade. "My husband was, is, and will always be a Hero. For him, the war began in 2014. He had wounds, concussions, but always returned to the ranks. Nothing could stop him, as he considered it his duty to defend Ukraine and be an example for our sons. I thank him for 18 years of our married life!" - said Natalia Khelemska. The warrior was buried in the Alley of Glory of the Forest Cemetery in Kyiv. At home, Leonid was awaited by his wife and two sons.