Valerii H. Sydorenko (Afhanets)

Senior Soldier Valeriy Sydorenko (call sign Afghan) was killed on May 1, 2023, during the evacuation of wounded comrades in the area of the village of Ivanivske in the Donetsk region. The enemy launched a powerful bombardment, as a result of which the soldier received a fatal wound. In June, he would have turned 54 years old. Valeriy was born in the city of Brovary, Kyiv region. He graduated from the local school. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the army and sent to Afghanistan. In Kabul, he became a sniper, but later was concussed, so he finished his service in the Far East. After demobilization, he obtained the qualification of a freight transport engineer at the Kyiv Institute of Civil Aviation Engineers. He loved airplanes and the sky. Until 2022, he worked in civil aviation. In the first days of the full-scale invasion, Valeriy defended his native Brovary, joining the volunteer formation "Hedgehogs". After the liberation of the Kyiv region, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He underwent training and mastered the Stinger MANPADS specialist. He fought as part of the 43rd separate artillery brigade. During air raids in October 2022 - January 2023, he shot down enemy drones as part of a group that prevented a total blackout in Kyiv, including on New Year's Eve. In April 2023, the man was transferred to the 67th separate mechanized brigade and sent to defend Bakhmut. Valeriy held the position of mechanic-driver of the medical unit. However, he dreamed of flying again and wanted to continue serving in the "Wild Duck" aerial reconnaissance unit, but did not have time. "He had so much life and faith in Ukraine that dozens of people do not have the same desire for life as he did," said the late's ex-wife, Olena. The hero was buried in the Alley of Heroes of the cemetery in his hometown. Valeriy left behind two daughters, his ex-wife, relatives and friends.