Mykola S. Kuzhel (Madiar)

34-year-old defender Mykola Kuzhel (call sign Madyar) was killed on June 25, 2023 while performing a combat mission near the village of Stepova Novosilivka in the Kharkiv region. The car in which he was traveling with his comrades came under enemy artillery fire. Mykola was born and lived in the village of Volodymyrets, Rivne region. He graduated from Volodymyrets Higher Vocational School No. 29 and obtained the profession of gas welder. Before the war, he worked as a specialist in comprehensive maintenance of rural production at the PSP "Amarant Agro". He was fond of fishing. On February 25, 2022, the man was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 14th separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Roman the Great. He held the position of a rifleman. He went through fierce battles on various hot fronts. "Mykola was an optimistic and positive person, supported those around him and never let them lose heart, no matter what. He was an example for his friends and comrades. He always came to help, did not shun anyone or anything. He spent a lot of time with his nephews, they adored him and always waited for him. He sincerely believed in our victory and did everything in his power to bring it closer. Forever in the heart and soul. Glory to the Heroes and deep reverence," wrote the sister of the fallen Yulia Tesliuk. The warrior was buried in his native village. At home, Mykola was awaited by his parents Lidiya and Serhiy, brothers Oleksiy and Ivan, sisters Yulia, Lyudmyla and Nataliya, as well as nephews, other relatives and friends.