Vitalii Yu. Klymenko (Klym)

Master Sergeant Vitaliy Klimenko (call sign Klym) was killed on August 1, 2023 near the village of Tverdokhliibove in the Luhansk region. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained a fatal mine explosion injury. The warrior was 48 years old. Vitaliy was from the village of Partyzany in the Zaporizhzhia region. After graduating from the 11th grade, he entered the Berdychiv School of Warrant Officers. After graduation, he was sent to the Zakarpattia region, where he served in the 128th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He went from cadet to master sergeant. He lived in Mukachevo. In 2019, he retired after 25 years of service. He loved sports and could not imagine his life without it. In his youth, he was engaged in boxing, football, and won first places in arm wrestling. He loved to travel. On February 24, 2022, the man immediately went to the military enlistment office, as he could not stay at home while his son was at war and the family was in danger. He was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As part of the 68th separate ranger brigade, he fought against the invaders. "You are an example of a true, strong man. Without you, the world is black and white. We miss you so much, dad. You always said that perfect people do not exist, although you were perfect. Every day I see your smile, for which I live and smile. It hurts that this is only a memory. I love you, my Universe," wrote Vlada Klimenko. The defender was buried in the Alley of Glory cemetery in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia. Vitaliy is survived by his mother, sisters, wife, two sons, and a daughter. The hero was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.