Mykola M. Petrenko (Kiss)

Soldier Mykola Petrenko (call sign Kiss) was killed on November 19, 2023, in battle with Russian occupiers near the village of Novoprokopivka, Zaporizhzhia region. The defender was 32 years old. Mykola was born in Sumy. In 1998, he went to the 1st grade of Gymnasium No. 7. In 2003, he moved to Chernihiv with his family. There he continued his studies at the general secondary school of grades I-III No. 35. In 2014, he graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he studied at the Faculty of Physics, specializing in Experimental Physics. Even as a student, he began working in the IT sector. Since 2017, he has worked at one of the largest Ukrainian IT companies, Intellias, holding the position of C++ software developer. Colleagues remember him as a bright person, a devoted friend, and a defender. He was a participant in the Revolution of Dignity. Since 2014, he has supported the Ukrainian military and helped them. During the full-scale war, in December 2022, Mykola joined the ranks of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade. He was the commander of a mortar group. "My brother was the best of the best. Having the opportunity not to join the army, he 'stormed' the military enlistment office until he achieved his goal and went to storm himself. Mykola was a man of his word, always restrained and purposeful. It seemed that there were no problems he could not solve. He was not talkative, but specific. He never feared difficulties, loved life, discovering new horizons, traveling, and sports. He dreamed of a motorhome. He was a leader and unhesitatingly came to the aid of everyone. But his greatest dream was a free and democratic Ukraine, without the slightest signs of the 'Russian world' and corruption. He adored his son and family, but above all, Ukraine was for our Mykola. The family has lost the best son, father, husband, brother, friend, a person with a huge heart and an open soul," said the sister of the fallen warrior, Olha Petrenko. The defender was buried in the Yatsevo cemetery in Chernihiv. Mykola is survived by his parents, sister, wife, and son.