Serhii S. Burenok (Yenot)

Serhii Burenok (call sign Yenot) from the "Azovets" unit was killed on August 23, 2023, in the Kreminna area of Luhansk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he came under enemy mortar fire and received fatal injuries. Four days earlier, on August 19, the defender turned 22 years old. Serhii was from the village of Novi Petrivtsi in Kyiv region. He graduated from Novopetrivska School No. 2 and then studied at the college of Kyiv National Economic University. He served his military conscription. For a while, he worked as a sushi chef in a restaurant and then as an administrator. He was always active and loved sports. He was a football fan and actively supported FC Dynamo (Kyiv). He played for the Mezhyhiria football team and won many awards and certificates in competitions. When the full-scale war began, Serhii could not remain on the sidelines, so he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For 5 months, he defended the city of Bakhmut. His age gave him the opportunity not to go to war, but his desire to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine was strong. So, over time, he joined the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov", in which he continued the fight for his homeland. Serhii was a cheerful person, with a thirst for life, and he lived in the here and now. He was an optimistic person, even when things were bad. He was a true man with a steel character, who confidently pursued his goal. He always strived to be the best, and he had leadership skills. He said that military service was the best profession in the world. In response to the worries and requests of his loved ones, he said: "Who, if not me? I'm not one of those who is afraid, I know what I'm going into. If everyone hides, what will happen to all of us and our country?" He was a support and a strong shoulder for his family. This brave young man also had big plans for the future. He wanted to be independent and self-sufficient, to build a career, a strong and happy family, and to start his own profitable and fulfilling business. He became a true professional in military affairs and was always ready to fulfill his duties. His comrades-in-arms valued him as a reliable and courageous warrior who was ready to sacrifice everything for his people. His courage, bravery, and honor will always be an example for all of us! Serhii Burenok was buried in his native village. At home, he was awaited by his loving parents, younger sisters, grandmother, girlfriend, and other relatives. Posthumously, Soldier Serhii Burenok was awarded the Order of Courage, Third Degree.