Oleksii V. Voronov (Fitnes)

Soldier Oleksii Voronov (call sign Fitness) was killed on August 7, 2023, during the crossing of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region. He suffered a shrapnel wound to the head between the villages of Pidstepne and Kozachi Lahery. The defender was 20 years old. Oleksii was born and raised in Balakliia, Kharkiv region. He enrolled at the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, where he studied "Fitness and Recreation". He loved sports, particularly track and field and weightlifting. He participated in local sports events. In 2019, he won the Ukrainian championship in biceps curl, deadlift, and multiple repetition bench press. Before the full-scale invasion, he combined university studies, work at McDonald's, and training. He planned to become a fitness trainer, but did not have the chance. He always encouraged his surroundings to engage in sports, helping them do it properly and enjoyably. He was also interested in music and played the guitar. In the summer of 2022, Oleksii joined the volunteer battalion "Revenge". Later, he became part of the brigade of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. He fought in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson directions. "Oleksii was a great brave heart who above all sought to protect everyone and everything he loved so dearly. Thanks to his diligence and perseverance, he managed to become a true warrior, an example for many. A person whom people follow and listen to. He never left anyone in trouble. Extraordinarily kind, cheerful, caring, wise beyond his years, courageous, charismatic. He had great spiritual strength, and his smile and laughter were etched in the heart of everyone who knew Oleksii. Even in the most difficult moments, Oleksii was able to find words of support and lift the mood," wrote his beloved girlfriend Yuliia Malyshko. Oleksii was buried in his hometown. He is survived by his parents, younger sister and brother, girlfriend, and other relatives. The defender was posthumously awarded the GUR MOU distinction "For Courage in the Performance of Special Missions".