Mykola I. Sukhoviienko (Vietier)

52-year-old Sergeant Mykola Sukhovienko (call sign "Wind) was killed on May 16, 2023, during a battle for the city of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region. He was evacuating his comrades-in-arms on a combat vehicle. When they disembarked and he was turning the vehicle around, enemy artillery shelling began. The vehicle was thrown onto anti-tank mines, and as a result of the explosion, the soldier sustained fatal injuries. Mykola was born in the village of Shepelyvka, Poltava region. He completed his secondary education at Hlobyne Secondary School I-III Degrees No. 1. Since 2004, he had been a resident of the village of Vesela Dolyna, Poltava region. In civilian life, he worked as a combine harvester operator, a driver, and later opened a furniture business. In 2014-2019, the man participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) / Joint Forces Operation (JFO). He fought in the Donetsk region, went through Debaltseve, Volnovakha, Avdiivka, Starohnativka, and Donetsk Airport. Mykola displayed courage and bravery in the battles fought in the Avdiivka and Donetsk Airport areas in 2014. At that time, he was part of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Mykola was the one who secured the state flag of Ukraine on a building just 70 meters from the enemy's positions. This courageous act took him over 4 hours. Crawling and deactivating enemy "surprises," he reached a fishing hut and raised the flag there. Later, the soldier was transferred to the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade. In 2018, he sustained a shrapnel wound to the neck. That same year, he was awarded the Order of Courage III Degree and the Medal "Defender of the Fatherland." On February 24, 2022, Mykola, as a veteran, did not remain on the sidelines and took up arms again. He returned to the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians and went to the front. He held the position of deputy commander of a combat vehicle. "My father is a true Hero of Ukraine. His feat and selfless sacrifice deserv e the highest award and honor," said Lilia Lynnyk. The hero was buried in the village of Vesela Dolyna, Poltava region. At home, Mykola was awaited by his wife, son, daughter, and two grandchildren.