Maksym V. Bardin (Chaklun)

29-year-old soldier Maksym Bardin (call sign Chacklun) died on July 17, 2023, while defending the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region from the occupiers. During the performance of a combat mission, he received a fatal shrapnel wound as a result of the explosion of an enemy shell. Maksym was born in the village of Velyki Sorochyntsi, Poltava region. After finishing the 9th grade, he entered the Myrhorod Art and Industrial College, where he received the specialty of a ceramic artist. In his free time, he attended a circus studio. From 2013 to 2018, he was an artist in the Kyiv Directorate of Mobile Circuses of Ukraine. He was an acrobat, promoting Ukraine in China and Lebanon. From 2019 to 2021, he served in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During his service, he painted the walls in the military unit where he served, and in his free time, he drew portraits. Recently, he was passionate about tattoos. On the first day of the full-scale invasion, the man volunteered for the 148th (Myrhorod) battalion of the territorial defense of the 116th separate brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He took the position of a shooter and went to the front line. "He was a very bright, unique and talented person. He was always positive, lived to the fullest, he felt this world differently, and few understood him. Everyone who knew Maksym says they have never met such people," said the deceased's niece Anastasia Skydan. "Maksym Volodymyrovych was a good father, an attentive son and brother. He was always brave and courageous, never hid behind someone's back. It is impossible to convey in words the pain that pierces our souls. This is an irreparable loss not only for our community, but for all of Ukraine. We will never forget our defender-hero, who gave his life to protect the freedom of his people," the Velykosorochyntsi community noted. The defender was buried in his native village. Maksym is survived by his mother, two brothers, a son, a niece, and other relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms.