Mykhailo M. Zhalo (Zhalo)

29-year-old serviceman Mykhailo Zhylko was killed in action on July 7, 2022, near the village of Dementiivka, Kharkiv region. The defender received a fatal shrapnel head wound. He was exhumed two days after his death along with a machine gun, on the trigger of which his hands were clamped. Mykhailo was born in the city of Boryspil, Kyiv region. From childhood, he adored animals and constantly brought street kittens and puppies home. Therefore, the choice of profession was decided quickly. After the guy finished 9th grade with honors and music school, where he played the accordion, he entered the Nemishaevo College majoring in "Veterinary Medicine". He then graduated with honors from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Mykhailo always stu easily, and scientific work brought pleasure. In his free time, he was engaged in cycling and participated in various sports competitions, including running and swimming. He repaired and assembled bicycles, which he handed over to friends. He also participated in the Revolution of Dignity and wrote patriotic poems. After completing his higher education, Mykhailo went to work on a farm in Denmark. And later moved to Finland, where he continued to engage in his favorite business. After the start of the full-scale invasion, the man returned to Ukraine. Initially, he joined the public organization "Zoopatrol", which rescued animals from locked apartments in Kyiv. And then he enlisted in the territorial defense. In a few months, he was in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Although he held the position of driver, he performed the tasks of a corrector. "He was born with the gene of a Patriot. He was very smart, well-mannered, tolerant, responsible. He was a creative person, wrote patriotic poems. He lived and worked in Finland for almost 5 years. He had a secure life. He loved his relatives, friends, and, of course, animals, and it was mutual. But he loved Ukraine the most. That's why on February 25, 2022, he was already in Ukraine and stood up for its defense. I am very proud of him. And I'm very sad," said his mother Liubov. The defender was buried at the Rohozivsky cemetery in Boryspil. Mykhailo left behind his mother, sister, and brother.