Yurii M. Panasenko (Tykhyi)

24-year-old National Guard soldier Yuriy Panasenko (call sign "Sportik) died on July 20, 2023, in a hospital in Zaporizhzhia from severe injuries. Three days earlier, while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, the soldier was blown up on an enemy mine while moving with his comrades on an APC. Yuriy was born and lived in Dnipro. He studied at school No. 137. In 2014, he graduated from the Dnipropetrovsk Transport and Economic College. In 2021, he obtained a higher education at the Dnipro National Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine. After graduation, he went on conscript military service, which he served in military unit 3014 of the National Guard of Ukraine in Odesa. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Yuriy, as a conscript, along with his comrades, took part in the defense of Odesa and the region. In January 2023, he was transferred to the 15th Operational Purpose Brigade named after the Hero of Ukraine Lieutenant Bohdan Zavada. "Yuriy loved life very much and had many plans for a bright future. He had a good, bright and open soul and a strong character. He was the only loving son. He had many loyal friends who sincerely loved and respected him. He was a bright, kind, honest, sensitive, fair and smiling person. Beautiful in soul and body. He was a true patriot of Ukraine. He was also an honorary donor, he always shared his blood at the call of his heart," said the soldier's mother, Viktoriia Volodymyrivna. "Yurichku, your smile and optimism will forever remain with us. You went to protect those you love, at the call of conscience and morals. Your heroism and pure heart will never be forgotten. Forever 24 years," wrote Taras Panasenko. The warrior was buried at the Zaporizhzhia cemetery in his hometown. Yuriy is survived by his mother, grandmother, relatives, friends and comrades.