Mykola V. Kuzemko (Kuzia)

21-year-old soldier Mykola Kuzemko was killed on Kherson Oblast on the first day of the full-scale invasion of Russian invaders in Ukraine, February 24, 2022. The warrior was defending the Antonivskyi Bridge with his unit when the enemy shelled him with "Grads". The fighter instantly from the injuries sustained. Mykola Kuzemko was born in the city of Drohobych, Lviv Oblast. He stu at school No. 4 there. Later, he graduated from vocational school No. 19. He worked as a laborer at a metal base. Mykola was the only son of his parents, their support and help, and he helped around the house. Acquaintances say that the guy was very sensitive, always came to the aid of those who needed it. In 2020, Mykola decided to link his life with the military. He first went for conscript service and then signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine a year later. He went to Eastern Ukraine as part of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Yakov Handziuk. Shortly before the full-scale war, his unit arrived at a training ground in Kherson Oblast. From there, on February 24, the warriors went to defend the Antonivskyi Bridge from the invaders. "Mykola was a golden child. Before the start of the full-scale war, he came to me for New Year's, bought groceries, made supplies. He always took care of me, worried. Then he said he would come in May. That never happened," shared the mother of the deceased, Olena. At first, the warrior was buried in a mass grave. Only 8 months after his death, when Kherson was liberated, the fighter's body was brought to his native Drohobych, where his relatives were able to say their goodbyes. Mykola was reburied at the Field of Sorrow in his native city. The defender left behind his parents and an aunt with children, whom he loved very much.