Oleksandr O. Kovalenko (Radar)

Sergeant Oleksandr Kovalenko (call sign Radar) was killed on August 24, 2023, in a hospital in Kyiv. On July 24, while carrying out a combat mission to cross the Dnipro River near the village of Kozachi Laheri in the Kherson region, he sustained serious injuries. The warrior was 47 years old. Oleksandr grew up in Kyiv. He studied at school No. 227. In 2007, he graduated from the National University of Physical Education and Sports, and in 2009, from the National University of Internal Affairs. He was a candidate for a sports master's degree in boxing. In 2014, he volunteered to fight in the ATO as part of the Aidar battalion. He served in the 2nd assault "Afghan" company. He took an active part in the battles in the Luhansk region. He showed courage and bravery during the performance of combat missions. On February 25, 2022, the man returned to the army, joining the 204th TRO battalion. He participated in the defense of Kyiv and the region, in particular, he defended Irpin and Moschun. Later, he was transferred to the 0504 unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. He took part in the liberation of Snake Island, in battles near Sievierodonetsk, Enerhodar, Mayorsk, and Bakhmut. For his courage, decision-making skills, and authority among his comrades-in-arms, the command appointed Sergeant Oleksandr Kovalenko as the temporary acting commander of the unit (at the company level) with a submission for the officer rank. In March 2023, he underwent a training course for junior officers abroad. On July 14, 2023, the assault group, led by Radar, crossed the Dnipro River and tried to gain a foothold on the enemy's shore. During the attempt to move deeper into the coastal strip under enemy fire, the group hit a mined area. Oleksandr stepped on a mine, suffered severe injuries, lost a lower limb, but continued to command his unit until the last. He was evacuated to the hospital, where the doctors fought for his life for a long time. However, the injuries proved to be too severe. "Oleksandr was a real man, a father, a son. He is a true Hero, a patriot," said his sister Olena. The hero was buried at the Lisovyi Cemetery in Kyiv. Oleksandr is survived by his sister, son, daughter, and other relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms.