Volodymyr V. Yukhymenko (Shef)

Sergeant Major Volodymyr Yukhymenko (call sign Chef) was killed on October 13, 2022, while performing a combat mission in the area of the village of Yamplivka in Donetsk region. The defender was 44 years old. Volodymyr was born in the village of Maryanivka in Kirovohrad region. He lived in the village of Trypillia in Kyiv region. In 1994, he graduated from Trypillia Secondary School. In 1995, he graduated from Kyiv Vocational School No. 3 as a cook. From 1995 to 1997, he served in the military. In 2008, he graduated from Kyiv Energy College with a specialization in "Installation and operation of thermal energy equipment for thermal power plants" and obtained the qualification of a technician-heat engineer. He worked at PJSC "Centrenergo" in the Remenergo branch, holding the position of senior equipment repair master (boiler) of the first group at the Trypillia production site. In 2015-2016, he participated in the ATO in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. On February 24, 2022, he once again took up the defense of Ukraine against the enemy. He fought in the ranks of the 114th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of sergeant major of the rifle platoon of the 135th battalion. He was awarded the President of Ukraine's distinction "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation," the "For the Defense of the Native State" medal, and the Order of "For Courage" of the III degree (posthumously). "Volodya was a brave, responsible warrior and an honorable person. He could always support his loved ones and everyone in need. In both peaceful life and war, he was loved and respected by all who communicated, worked, and walked through life with him. He was a person with a capital letter, genuine, courageous, and honest. We had a wonderful family. Volodya was the best father in the world, kind, sincere, and caring. He devoted himself entirely to his family. He was a man of his word, a sincere patriot. Volodya raised his son and sought to be a worthy example of courage and consciousness for him, but an enemy bullet cut his life short. He was a person who wholeheartedly stood for Ukraine. It's hard to find words to describe this loss. My son and I are left alone. Although it is very difficult for me, I understand that I need to raise my child, and there will no longer be a strong fatherly shoulder, support from a man. His words will forever remain in the memory of his loved ones: 'Who, if not me?! I am here for all of you!'. Chefs understand the importance of everything. Our Volodya had a unique gift, as he could turn a simple dish into a delicacy even in difficult military conditions. The Chef knew how to feed and protect his comrades well. Volodya was always listened to; he shared his military experience with the guys, as his advice saved many lives. That's why Chef and only Chef," his wife said. The soldier was buried at the Alley of Glory in the cemetery in the village of Trypillia. Volodymyr is survived by his wife Kateryna and son Artur.