Mykhailo V. Zharkov (Mishania)

Captain Mykhailo Zharkov (call sign Mishanya) was killed on January 22, 2024, in the territory of the Serebryansk forestry, near the village of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. He was traveling in a car with his comrades-in-arms when hostile shelling began. The officer sustained fatal injuries. In December, he turned 29 years old. Mykhailo was from Luhansk. He graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University and the Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University. In 2024, he was supposed to complete his studies at the Odesa State University of Internal Affairs. In 2017, he joined the separate special operations unit of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov". At the beginning of his military career, he served in the staff, but at his own request, he transferred to the infantry. Mykhailo encountered the full-scale invasion in Mariupol. He participated in battles in the city center. On May 20, 2022, on the orders of the command, he surrendered from the territory of the Azovstal plant. Mykhailo was able to return home during the exchange on September 21, 2022. After treatment and psychological rehabilitation, the defender returned to service with his native "Azov". He was the deputy commander of the 3rd special purpose company (on armored personnel carriers) for personnel work of the 1st battalion. He was distinguished by his leadership qualities. He fought in the Zaporizhzhia direction, then in the Luhansk region. For his service, Mykhailo received a number of awards, including the "Silver Cross" distinction, the "For Courage" orders of the III and II degrees (the second one was awarded posthumously). "He was a man with a capital letter, a true warrior, always caring for his guys and family, knew his business. He was a reliable comrade, friend and a person you could rely on. The best son, dad and husband. He always supported, gave advice. He never hesitated to go on a mission, he was fair, brave and kind. He was very purposeful, with great willpower. He devoted 150% to his work. He always planned the future," said the widow of the fallen Hanna. The warrior was buried in the Alley of Glory of the Central Cemetery in Kryvyi Rih. The warrior is survived by his mother, wife, two daughters, and close relatives. Mykhailo Zharkov was posthumously awarded the Medal "For Merit to the City" of the III degree. He was also posthumously promoted to the rank of Major.