Serhii M. Vikhnych (Zakhar)

Defender Serhii Vikhnich (call sign Zakhar) was killed on March 12, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Dibrova in the Luhansk region. The warrior was 37 years old. Serhii was from the city of Konotop in the Sumy region. From childhood, his father told him the history of Ukraine and their family, which descended from Cossacks. The boy studied at the local school No. 9. In 2004, he graduated from a polytechnic college with a degree in "Construction and operation of buildings and structures". During his studies, he was a diligent student, had a cheerful character and a sense of humor, and was respected and respected among his peers. He always willingly participated in various events, took an active part in the public life of the institution, sang well and played the guitar. Then he worked in the architectural bureau at the Konotop City Executive Committee. Later, he moved to Kyiv, where he opened his own business selling commercial equipment - the company "KyivTorg". He became a successful businessman. Serhii's true passion since childhood was fishing, and he created a YouTube channel "SEGA fishing", where he posted videos about it. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the man enlisted in the ranks of the Obolon TRO of Kyiv. He was a rifleman of the rifle company of the 244th battalion of the 112th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He took the call sign Zakhar in honor of his favorite hero Zakhar Berkut. He filmed many funny videos about his service and comrades, which he posted on TikTok under the nickname Zakhar Trynadziatyi. He had millions of views. As part of his battalion, he took part in the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, then defended the border with the Russian Federation in Vovchansk. In the winter and spring of 2023, he defended the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "He was the soul of his company. A reliable comrade, a faithful friend and a cheerful good guy who could lift the mood even in the most difficult hours," said the sister of the fallen Natalia. "Always smiling, friendly, many people were friends with him, because he was so open, welcoming! He constantly helped his classmates. And he was also very principled and always stood for the truth. A very good friend. And a very good person!" added his class teacher Svitlana Ruditsia. The warrior was buried in his hometown. Serhii is survived by his parents, sister, relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms. Posthumously, he was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of the City of Konotop".