Mykola M. Kovaliov

Sailor Mykola Kovalyov was killed in action on April 3, 2022, during the defense of Mariupol in Donetsk region as a result of multiple shrapnel wounds. The warrior is forever 26 years old. Mykola was born in the city of Snigurivka, Mykolaiv region. He graduated from Snigurivka Professional Lyceum. He worked in the catering establishment "McDonald's Ukraine Ltd". He then went on to serve in the military under a contract. At the time of the full-scale Russian invasion, the man served in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilinsky. He held the position of a crew member of the calculation of the reactive artillery platoon of the reactive artillery battery of the reactive artillery division of the brigade artillery group. From the first days of the invasion, the man courageously defended Mariupol together with his comrades. "My husband was a bright, kind, and caring person, adored children and his family. When the war began, he was on the outskirts of Mariupol, defending the city. And we were under shelling in Mykolaiv, from where we then moved to Snigurivka and ended up in occupation. Communication with my husband was infrequent. In order to hear him, one had to go to a special place by the road where one could talk for a maximum of 2 minutes, after which the connection disappeared. In the last conversation, he assured me that everything was fine with them, that they were bravely defending and protecting us, promised to return alive and victorious. He fought to the end. My daughter from my first marriage loved my husband very much, called him dad. Before going to bed, she asks to show her photos and videos of him every day. On April 27, 2022, I was called and told that my husband was no more. I couldn't find out more, there was no time, there were strong shelling. I decided to leave the occupation with the child through mined fields... I still can't come to my senses and let him go," said Yulia Kovalyova. Mykola is survived by his wife and daughter. Posthumously, the hero was awarded the Order of "Courage" III degree.