Serhii R. Kholod (Smailyk)

Serviceman Serhii Kholod (call sign Smailik) was killed on January 14, 2024 in the village of Opytne, Donetsk region. During the performance of a combat mission, he sustained explosive-fragmentation wounds incompatible with life. Serhii was 23 years old. He was born in the village of Babai in the Kharkiv region. He received secondary education. After graduating from school, he worked as an auto mechanic at a service station. During the full-scale invasion, he took up the defense of Ukraine, joining the 92nd separate assault brigade. He served in the fire support company. He fought in the Bakhmut direction. In December 2023, he was transferred to the 425th separate assault battalion "Skala", where he held the position of assault grenadier. He was awarded the medal "Unbreakable Heroes of the Russian-Ukrainian War". "My brother was the best person in the world. I still can't believe he's gone... I want to hug him, talk to him, laugh together. He gave his life for freedom, for the language and was faithful to Ukraine. Without hiding, he went to defend the country. His friends and relatives were an example for him, and his father Ruslan was the best. Thank you for your love, loyalty to the state. Sleep peacefully, my brother. We love you and will never forget you," wrote his younger sister Alina. The warrior was buried in the Alley of Glory in his native village. Serhii is survived by his parents, younger sister and fiancée.