Mykyta I. Zasiadko

Senior soldier Nikita Zasyadko was killed on November 30, 2023 while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the village of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. The defender was 18 years old. Nikita was born in the Kharkiv region in a sports family. From a young age, he was passionate about sports. In October 2013, he began swimming at the base of the MK SDYUSHOR Y. Klochkova. He was the winner and medalist of the Junior Ukrainian Championships in 2020 and 2021. He became a Master of Sports of Ukraine in swimming. The sports community remembers him as an extraordinary person who had a firm position. Due to his perseverance, he won competitions. In 2022, he graduated from the Kharkiv Professional College of Sports. He was a student at the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture. Despite his young age, Nikita was a brave and courageous man. Even before he came of age, he tried to join the territorial defense, but was not accepted due to his age. On June 29, 2023, he turned 18 years old, and already in July the young man joined the ranks of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the NGU "Azov" to defend the Ukrainian state. He took the position of gunner-operator and went to the front line to carry out combat missions. "The death of Nikita Zasyadko is an irreparable loss not only for his parents, brother, relatives and friends, but also for the entire sports community of Ukraine. A worthy son, a true patriot, a strong warrior, a professional athlete. Eternal memory and glory to the Hero!" - noted in the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration. "How hard it is to believe this! My student, whom we taught and prepared for life... Not for death. Heroes never die! Eternal honor to you, Warrior of Light," wrote Olena Huzevata. The young warrior was buried on December 7, 2023 at cemetery No. 18 in Kharkiv. Nikita is survived by his parents Igor and Hanna, brother Dmytro, relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms.