Mykola P. Avdiienko (Avdiei)

Sergeant Mykola Avdienko (call sign Avdiy) was killed in the area of the village of Lukashivka near Chernihiv on March 9, 2022, from gunshot wounds to the head. The fighter was 42 years old. Mykola was born and lived his entire life in Chernihiv. He graduated from school No. 8 and then entered vocational school No. 18. He really wanted to serve in the army, prepared for service, engaged in sports, and led a healthy lifestyle. He dreamed of joining special forces. Later, he became a serviceman in the special forces regiment "Gepard." He was the deputy platoon commander. He loved nature and animals very much. Every weekend he spent outdoors: cycling trips, fishing, relaxing by the water. He was the soul of the company and an organizer of outdoor recreation for family and friends. From the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russian occupiers, Mykola joined the ranks of the 21st Separate Rifle Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of grenade launcher in the rifle squad. On the day of Mykola's death, March 9, 2022, in the area of the village of Kolychivka, Russian occupiers killed his daughter Kateryna and his wife Anna, who were trying to leave Chernihiv. There were seven passengers in the car, five of whom died. For over a month, the family waited for news. “A dear, loving child. A son who only brought joy and never upset anyone. Rich in spirit. He pitied the weak. He treated people with understanding. He wanted everyone to be well,” said the soldier's mother, Tamara Ivanivna. “You never needed to be asked for help. You helped selflessly, unobtrusively, naturally. Everyone knew you as a person with a huge sense of responsibility, decency, and true masculine will. If Kolya said something, it was ironclad,” noted the defender's friend Dmytro. Mykola was buried in the settlement of Mykhailo-Kotsiubynske in Chernihiv Oblast, where his parents live. The defender is survived by his parents, sister, and nephews. Sergeant Mykola Avdienko was posthumously awarded the Order "For Courage" of the III degree.