Roman H. Stepanenko

Senior soldier Roman Stepanenko (call sign Otter) died on March 11, 2024 while performing a combat mission in the area of the village of Terniv in the Donetsk region. At that time, the Russians struck the positions of Ukrainian defenders with a guided aerial bomb. The warrior is now forever 31 years old. Roman was born in Dnipro. He grew up and lived in Kyiv. He graduated from school No. 8. In 2012-2016, he studied at the Institute of Society and the Humanitarian Institute of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, majoring in "International Information". In 2018, he received a master's degree in "Physical Culture and Sports". During his studies, he proved himself to be an intellectual, responsible and creative student. He was one of the best athletes at the university. He was professionally engaged in swimming. He took an active part in the sports life of the university as an athlete and organizer of competitions. In 2021, he graduated from the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine. In 2016-2018, he worked as the head of the sports section of the sports complex of his native university. Since 2017, he has been managing the swimming section as well. He also worked as a coach in Poland, teaching children. However, he returned to Ukraine, as he wanted to engage in his favorite activity at home. He dreamed of opening his own pool. For some time he worked as a physical education teacher at Kyiv Lyceum No. 42, at the sports complex of the National Pedagogical University named after M.P. Drahomanov. He founded the sports club "Otters Kiev Swimming Club". However, the full-scale invasion changed all his plans. From the first days of the war, Roman was engaged in volunteering. He organized the evacuation of Ukrainian child athletes to safe places - to Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Thanks to his friends and acquaintances, especially in Poland and Germany, he organized the supply of medicines, humanitarian aid, and necessary things for the military and civilians. He personally provided the delivery of aid to Ukraine by trucks. In addition, he supported the Territorial Defense Forces of the Kyiv region and other regions - at the requests of the military, he found and transferred what was needed: from cars and drones to sleeping bags and other necessary equipment. Finally, Roman himself became a military man of the National Guard of Ukraine. He served in the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov". He held the position of an aviation mechanic of the unmanned aerial vehicle platoon of the air reconnaissance company. He received the award "Participant of Combat Operations". "Despite a difficult childhood, my brother remained a bright, kind and sunny person. He lost his parents at the age of 9, but he never saw obstacles, went to his dreams and always remained unshakable in his faith in life. He dreamed of developing sports in Ukraine, opening up opportunities for young people, and most importantly - creating his own pool. In childhood, he dreamed of becoming a pilot. Every time he heard the sound of an airplane, he ran out to look at the sky. He did not become a pilot in peacetime, but his dream of flying came true - he rose into the sky on drones, fulfilling his tasks. An hour before the terrible moment, he spoke with warmth and confidence. To my question: "How are you?", he replied: "Everything is fine, I'm flying." These were his last words, but they will remain eternal in our hearts. He was and will remain a hero who lived his dreams to the last breath, for his country and for people... Unfortunately, the war cut short his life, not allowing him to fulfill many dreams. He did not have time to start his own family, raise children, see how his school is growing, and open the pool he had dreamed of. But he left a bright trace in the lives of many people, becoming for them not only a mentor, but also an example of indomitability, kindness and faith in their dreams. His memory will live in every heart he inspired, in every student who will continue his work... Roman is my beloved younger brother, the dearest person, a kind, bright, cheerful, the best friend, whom I lost because of this war. Later he himself taught me, being an example for me. He will forever remain in my heart. I am infinitely grateful that I had such a brother. I have always been proud of him, I am proud and will be proud," shared the memories of the deceased's older sister Alyona. The defender was buried at the Forest Cemetery in the capital. The hero left behind sisters Alyona and Nina. Posthumously, Roman Stepanenko was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.