Oleksandr V. Dukhovenko (Puma)

Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Dukhovenko (call sign Puma) was killed on October 18, 2022, during battles with Russian occupiers for the Kherson region. An enemy mortar shell ended the life of the 36-year-old warrior. Oleksandr was born in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region. He graduated from the West Donbas Vocational Lyceum and obtained a welding profession. He worked in the construction of clinics and high-rise buildings. Later, he went to work in a mine, where he mastered the profession of a miner in the extraction section. In his free time, he enjoyed sports and cooking. During the full-scale invasion of Russian troops, he defended Ukraine as part of the 17th Separate Tank Brigade named after Konstantin Pestushko. He was the commander of an anti-aircraft section of the anti-aircraft missile platoon. On the morning of October 18, Oleksandr sent his wife a last message, saying that he was fine. By noon, he was killed. The following day, his family was informed about it. "Young, active, brave and strong, sincere, cheerful, loving dad and a wonderful husband," is how his wife Valentyna described the defender. "So beautiful, strong, and brave. You were an example of the best dad! You were a strong, stubborn, caring man and father! That's how you will remain in my memory forever! Heroes do not die! You are an example of courage, strength, resilience, and devotion to your land! You are one of the best sons of your Motherland! You wanted so much to protect your family and land! You did it! Eternal memory to you, our dear Sanka..." wrote the deceased's godmother Ksenia. Oleksandr was buried in the village of Samarske, Dnipropetrovsk region. He is survived by his parents, sister, wife, and two sons.