Mykola V. Ahanin (Matros)

Senior soldier Mykola Aganin (call sign Matros) was killed in the night of July 29, 2022 in the settlement of Olenivka, Donetsk region. Russian military personnel executed him along with other comrades-in-arms in the colony, blowing up one of the barracks. The defender was 61 years old. Mykola was born in the village of Porokhnya, Donetsk region. He obtained the profession of an electric gas welder. Together with his wife, he raised three children. He was delighted with his grandchildren - six boys. In 2015, after the occupation of his native village, the family moved to Mariupol. "Father was a sincere, non-conflicting person, a good conversationalist, a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was passionate about fishing," says daughter Marina. In 2016, the man secretly signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He went to serve in the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade. "I'm going so that my children and grandchildren don't have to find out what war is," Mykola said. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, the man joined the "Azov". He was a senior gunner. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he defended Mariupol. In May 2022, he was ordered to surrender. "The last time we talked was on July 13, 2022. Dad hinted that he would soon return, saying he was promised an exchange. We could not even imagine that such a cruel murder of prisoners of war could happen," the daughter added. Mykola Aganin was awarded the medal "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation", the badge "For Exemplary Military Service" of the III degree, the honorary badge of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Cross of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade", the medal "For Demining" and posthumously - the Order of Courage of the III degree. The defender was buried in the Alley of Glory of the Berkovetsky cemetery in Kyiv. At home, Mykola was awaited by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.