Mykola M. Koptsev (Man)

36-year-old soldier Mykola Koptsev (call sign Man) was killed on December 29, 2022 during a battle for the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. While saving his comrades, the soldier received a fatal explosive injury during enemy shelling. Mykola was born in the city of Donetsk. He obtained the profession of a bartender at the Donetsk Vocational and Technical School. For most of his life, he worked as a well driller. In 2021, he became a long-distance truck driver. His greatest passion was recreation in nature, especially fishing. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man went to defend his native country from the occupiers. He joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the rifle battalion of the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade named after the Kosh Otaman Kostya Hordiyenko. "Kolya was a good, responsible, reliable friend, husband and father to his sons. The pain of the loss will remain forever in our hearts," said the first wife of the deceased, Anastasia. The defender was buried in the village of Myhiya, Mykolaiv region. Mykola is survived by his parents, wife and two sons.