Slain Ukrainian Hero: Sergiy Kazmirenko
Title: Honoring the Fallen Hero: Senior Sergeant Sergiy Kazmirenko, A Life Cut Short in Defense of Ukraine
July 3, 2022, marked a profound loss for Ukraine, as Senior Sergeant Sergiy Kazmirenko, affectionately known as Kucheryavy, gave his life during combat operations near Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region. Heartrendingly, his family was unaware of his fate for around 1.5 years, until his wife discovered his remains at the Krasnopilske Cemetery in Dnipro, buried among the unidentified heroes. At the tender age of 42, this dedicated defender's life was sadly cut short.
Sergiy Kazmirenko hailed from Cherkasy, where he attended School No. 20 and honed his skills at the local Vocational-Technical School No. 20, becoming an electric gas welder. His conscription period was spent in the military, and afterwards, he worked at various companies where his expertise was valued. His last job was with the housing and utilities maintenance enterprise (ZHESK). He married in 2004, embracing a passion for fishing and music. His marksmanship skills in skeet shooting earned him accolades in competitions.
On the initial day of the full-scale invasion, he joined the local territorial defense forces (TRO) and later became a serviceman of the 20th separate rifle battalion (military unit A7104) within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Promoted to senior sergeant, he courageously defended Cherkasy and Kanev, before participating in the liberation of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
With his unwavering spirit, Kazmirenko was a pillar of honesty, fairness, and patriotism. His loved ones described him as a forward-thinking individual, capable of rallying like-minded individuals around him, and a devoted family man. He often expressed his commitment to protect his children, promising to return victorious. Despite his brave words, fate denied him a return from the war.
His widow, Aliona, beautifully recounted her late husband's virtues, affirming that he made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure a free and peaceful future for his children and all Ukrainians. Kazmirenko's selfless actions serve as a testament to the steadfast commitment of Ukrainian servicemen during these challenging times.
The defender was laid to rest at the Alley of Heroes in the cemetery of Cherkasy. Aliona, their three children, Polina, Kirill, and Ulyana, eagerly awaited his return.
Sergiy Kazmirenko's bravery will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow Ukrainians. His story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the unrelenting courage displayed by those defending their nations.
Politics in Ukraine has been irreversibly impacted by the loss of Senior Sergeant Sergiy Kazmirenko,with war-and-conflicts continuing to dominate the general-news agenda as a result. His contributions to the defense of Ukraine are a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.
