Serhii O. Deren (13-th)

A 45-year-old paratrooper, Serhii Derev, was killed in battle in Luhansk region while defending the city of Rubizhne from Russian occupiers. Serhii was from the city of Sokyriany in Chernivtsi region. He graduated from the National Academy of Internal Affairs and served 25 years in law enforcement. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel and went abroad. However, when the full-scale Russian invasion began, Serhii immediately returned to Ukraine and stood up for it. The man, like an ordinary private, joined the ranks of the airborne assault forces and went to Donbas. "He was a brave and courageous man. All his life, Serhii devoted to work in law enforcement. He was always fair, reasonable and responsible. He was a good son, the best father, husband and brother, a faithful friend," said Karolina Marysheva, head of the communications department of the National Police in Chernivtsi region, to journalists. "Hi, Serhii. Today I was at your funeral, it's not quite conscious yet and not entirely understood, but for some reason it happened. Why? Why did you die on our land, defending it?! Who are we guilty to? Forgive us all, we owe you!" wrote friend Olena Baranova. The defender was buried on the Alley of Glory of the Central Cemetery in Chernivtsi. At home, Serhii was waited for by his parents, brother, wife and children. Posthumously, soldier Serhii Derev was awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree.