Biography

Roman Ihorevych Mukhonko was born on July 28, 1988, in the city of Ternivka, Dnipropetrovsk region. From childhood he was active and determined, participating in sports competitions in football and basketball, and taking part in school events. His mother remembered him as someone who always wanted to be first, a trait that carried into his adult life.

After graduating from the Ternivka Mining Vocational Lyceum, Roman began his career as a miner. He first worked at the “Zapadno‑Donbaska” mine and later spent seven years at the “Pavlohradska” mine, where he served as an underground electromechanic in conveyor transport and eventually became a respected foreman. His colleagues valued his opinion and leadership, and he also played for the mine’s football team while enjoying tennis and time outdoors with his family.

Roman was devoted to his loved ones. He was in his second marriage and raising three children, including a young son who was only two years old at the time of his father’s death. He cherished his daughter from his first marriage, his mother, and his sister, always keeping family at the center of his life.

On February 1, 2026, Roman’s life was tragically cut short. After finishing his shift, he boarded a bus with fellow miners to return home. The vehicle was attacked by Russian drones in Ternivka, and a second strike hit the bus directly. Roman was among twelve people who died in the attack.

Roman Mukhonko is remembered as a hardworking miner, a caring husband and father, and a man whose kindness and strength left a lasting mark on his family, friends and colleagues.