Serhii A. Kuninets (Dok)

Senior Sergeant Serhiy Kuninets (call sign Dok) was killed on November 4, 2022, in a battle with the occupiers near the village of Pavlivka in Donetsk region. The defender was 25 years old. Serhiy was born in the town of Krasnokutsk in Kharkiv region. He graduated from the Bohodukhiv Medical Vocational College, earning the profession of a nurse. In 2016, after graduation, the 19-year-old voluntarily took up the defense of his homeland by joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served for three years in the 65th Military Medical Hospital in the city of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region. He participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) / Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Since 2019, he served in the ranks of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporizhians. He held the position of the senior sergeant of the company. He continued to fulfill his military and professional duties and was repeatedly recognized by the command with awards. Serhiy met the full-scale invasion in complete readiness. From the first days, he participated in the defense of Ukraine against Russian occupiers. “He was the best and brave. He lived for the army, for his brothers, but we cannot live without him now,” wrote a close friend of the fallen, Alina. “Brave, determined, courageous, unwavering. He always led the way for everyone. He never boasted about his achievements, was not public — he just quietly and devotedly did his job. After receiving a shrapnel wound to the head, he returned to his unit after treatment. He always came to the aid of his comrades, saving more than one life. Despite his young age, he earned the deserved authority and respect in the team. Serhiy was, is, and always will be a sincere example of a true man, a true patriot, and a defender of his homeland. And he proved this at the highest cost — the cost of his own life,” states a petition created by the friends of the fallen. The warrior was buried in his native village. Serhiy is survived by his parents, sister, friends, and comrades.