Maksym M. Shevchenko

24-year-old Junior Sergeant Maksym Shevchenko (call sign Prometheus) engaged in his final battle on June 28, 2022, in the area of Sloviansk, Donetsk region. Together with a group, he held a company strongpoint that stood on the main axis of the occupiers' offensive. In a fierce unequal battle, Prometheus was wounded as a result of a missile strike and died during evacuation. The Ukrainian defenders were able to hold the strongpoint. Maksym was born in Kobeliaky, Poltava region. After school, he obtained the profession of painter-plasterer and tiler at the Poltava Construction Vocational Lyceum. He worked at enterprises in his hometown. He was the artistic director of the Kunivka rural club. In 2016-2018, he served in the National Police of Ukraine. In January 2018, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade. He participated in the Joint Forces Operation. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he met the full-scale invasion on the front lines. Maksym led the assault squad and actively participated in the battles. During his service, the military was awarded several awards: "Veteran of War", "For Loyalty to the Oath and the People of Ukraine" of the 1st degree. For participation in the battles in the Kharkiv region and the defense of Kharkiv in the summer of 2022, he received an award weapon - a TT pistol, from the higher command of the Airborne Assault Troops. The paratrooper was buried on the Alley of Glory in Kobeliaky. Maksym is survived by his father Mykhailo, older brother Dmytro, sister Maryna, wife Daria, daughters Veronika and Polina. The warrior was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the 3rd degree. In the village of Kunivka, Kobeliaky community, a street was renamed in honor of the hero. At Kobeliaky School No. 1, where the defender studied, a memorial plaque was installed in his memory.