Serhii M. Kuzmych (Kuzia)

26-year-old senior soldier Serhii Kuzmych (call sign Kuzya) was killed on November 3, 2023, in the village of Zarichne, Zaporizhzhia region. That day, Russian troops carried out a missile strike on the location of Ukrainian soldiers. Serhii was born in the village of Horodets, Rivne region. He studied agronomy at the Ivano-Frankivsk Professional College of Lviv National University of Life and Environmental Sciences. After completing his military service, he worked in the police for about three years. In December 2020, he decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He signed a contract with the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. He served in the artillery. He carried out combat missions in the area of the Joint Forces Operation. He met the full-scale invasion together with his comrades and continued to defend Ukraine from the enemy. In March 2022, Serhii was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree. "He was courageous and brave. He always said he was protecting the peaceful future of children and all of Ukraine. His comrades respected him and knew they could always turn to him for advice and help," said the deceased's wife, Olha. The hero was buried in the village of Bukvyna, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where he lived with his family. Serhii is survived by his father, brother, and wife.