Yaroslav V. Kuzmenko (Yaryi)

Lieutenant Yaroslav Kuzmenko (call sign Yaryi), 42 years old, was killed on October 14, 2022, while performing a combat mission in the area of the village of Torske in Donetsk region. Yaroslav was born in the town of Varva in the Chernihiv region. He obtained a law degree from the National Tax Academy in Irpin and lived in Fastiv, Kyiv region, since 2001, which is his wife's hometown. After his studies, he served in the police for 13 years, starting his career as an assistant operative, and after some time became the head of the criminal investigation department, achieving the rank of major. He was awarded for diligent service. After leaving the police, he held leadership positions in government institutions. He adored cars, dedicated his free time to his children and beloved wife, was an avid mushroom picker, and loved animals. On the third day of the full-scale invasion, Yaroslav joined the 208th separate battalion of territorial defense of Fastiv region, commanding the 2nd platoon. "A loving, sincere, devoted, honest, the best man and father in the world," noted his wife Olena. "Yaroslav Kuzmenko was a sincere, kind, and remarkably honest person. He always spoke the truth, which earned him immense respect from his friends. He was very responsible, which is why he held the position of commander. He loved nature and animals, especially dogs, incredibly. He enjoyed working the land and was well-versed in automotive technology," wrote the Fastiv City Council on their page. The defender was buried at the Alley of Glory in Fastiv. Yaroslav is survived by his parents, sister, wife, and two children: 20-year-old daughter Natalia and 14-year-old son Vladislav.