Oleh D. Artemenko (Ryba)

Soldier Oleg Artemenko (call sign Fish) was killed on August 11, 2023, in the Kupiansk direction. While carrying out a combat mission, he was driving a car and was blown up by an enemy mine. The defender was 55 years old. Oleg was from the village of Nizhylovychi, Kyiv region. He obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from the Dnipropetrovsk State Technical University. In civilian life, he worked as a driver. The main value in his life was his family, as he was a father of many children. Together with his beloved wife, he raised five children and already had a granddaughter. He very much wanted his descendants to not know war and live happily. It was for the sake of his loved ones that he went to war. After the liberation of the Kyiv region from the Russian invaders, the man volunteered to the military enlistment office. On May 12, 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 22nd separate special forces battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade. He held the position of driver-electrician of the control section of the communications platoon. He fought in the Chornobyl, Bakhmut, and Kharkiv directions. During his service, the military was awarded the medal "Participant in Combat Operations," the decoration of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Golden Cross," and posthumously - the Order of Courage of the III degree. "My husband wished the best for his children. He wanted them to grow up and build their future in a free, independent state. Therefore, without waiting for the summons, he went to defend the Motherland without hesitation. He justified his actions in just three words: 'I'm needed there.' Many knew him, it would be easier to name those who didn't. For some, he was just an acquaintance, for others - a friend, a godfather, a mentor, a brother-in-arms. For me, he was a loving husband, and for his children - the best father in the world. On the evening of August 11, we were informed that he had received injuries incompatible with life. No one believed it. We hoped it was a mistake... But this is war... Some may think he has been on the front line for a long time, so we should have been prepared. But from my experience, I can say that you are never ready to lose a loved one. This is a wound that will never heal, no matter how much time passes. We must always remember this," said Oksana Artemenko. Oleg was buried in his native village. He left behind a large loving family: his wife, sons Artem, Anton and Arseny, daughters Angelina and Aya, daughter-in-law Anna, son-in-law Ivan, and granddaughter Zlata.