Mykola S. Yukhymets

Soldier Mykola Yukhymets (call sign Proper) fought his last battle on August 19, 2023, in the area of the settlement of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. The defender was forever 28 years old. Mykola was a native of Rivne. He studied at Rivne Lyceum No. 23. Then he graduated from Rivne College of Economics and Business and Vinnytsia Trade and Economic Institute of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, majoring in Accounting and Auditing. He worked in trade for some time, then changed his field of activity and became a builder, having his own team. He led a healthy lifestyle. He loved to spend time in nature, often invited friends for tea and played various games with them. He jumped with a parachute, rope, and in winter he dived into the hole in the ice. On the second day of the full-scale war, on February 25, 2022, the man returned from abroad and immediately went to the military enlistment office. But due to the lack of military experience, he was not taken. Mykola tried several more times to get into the army, and finally on June 22, 2022, he was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was enrolled in the State Special Transport Service, involved in the protection of bridges. He trained constantly and, when offered to join the assault company, agreed without hesitation. In the assault company, he held the position of a machine gunner. The fighter was awarded a certificate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine of the State Special Transport Service unit T0910 and the Order of Courage of the III degree (posthumously). "Mykola always found time for others. He was a wonderful brother who always came to help when needed. He was cheerful and with his sense of humor, responsible, smart, strong, generous. We miss his laughter, support, and sincere soul. Mykola always said: 'I must protect my family.' He was not afraid to try something new. He always did what he planned. Always in motion. Always at work. He is not the type who sits and idles. After the war, he wanted to live in a free and independent Ukraine next to his relatives. His comrades-in-arms loved and respected him..." - recalls his sister Natalia Yukhymets. The defender was buried in the Alley of Heroes of the "Nove" cemetery in his hometown. The warrior left behind parents, five sisters, two brothers, and nephews. He did not have time to start his own family. Mykola Yukhymets was posthumously awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of the City of Rivne".