Biography

Serhii Mykhailovych Melnychenko was born on November 9, 1992, in Kyiv. He spent his childhood in the village of Hatne, Kyiv region, where he attended the local school. From an early age, Serhii showed great interest in sports, excelling in athletics, running, Thai boxing, wrestling, and football. He played for the village team “FC Patriot” and earned numerous awards in running competitions, demonstrating discipline and determination.

After finishing school, Serhii studied at the Kyiv Regional Higher Vocational School of Construction, where he trained as a mechanic specializing in automobile repair. He worked in his profession before fulfilling his duty by serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Later, he joined the State Emergency Service in Kyiv as a firefighter-rescuer, a role that reflected his dedication to protecting others.

In 2017-2018, Serhii served in the 4th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine as a rifleman. From 2018 onward, he became a fighter of the Azov Special Purpose Detachment, where he held the position of senior rifleman-grenadier and later sniper instructor. He also pursued higher education at the National University of Bioresources and Nature Management of Ukraine, studying finance and insurance.

Serhii, known by his call sign “Runner,” fought alongside his comrades in Mariupol. He took part in the heroic defense of the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian defenders resisted overwhelming enemy forces. On May 8, 2022, at the age of 29, Serhii Melnychenko gave his life in battle, remaining faithful to his oath and homeland until the end.

For his bravery and steadfastness, Serhii was awarded the Order for Courage, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class, becoming a full cavalier of this state honor. His sacrifice stands as a testament to his courage and devotion to Ukraine.

His memory lives on not only as a skilled professional and athlete but above all as a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and a true warrior-defender of his country.