Biography

Yevhen Yuriiovych Yefymenko was born on March 8, 1998, in the settlement of Velyka Lepetykha, Kherson region. In childhood, he moved with his family to Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia region, where he began school. From an early age, he was active and determined, practicing freestyle wrestling and boxing. He was known for his cheerful nature, his smile, and his jokes, and he had many friends who respected him deeply.

Seeking to serve his country, Yevhen pursued military education at the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy in Lviv. After graduation, he joined the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade. His comrades knew him by his call sign “Foma.”

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Yevhen was the commander of a self-propelled artillery battery within the 5th battalion tactical group of the 81st Brigade. On February 24, 2022, during the fierce battles for the city of Sumy, he was mortally wounded by enemy shelling. He was only 23 years old, just days away from his birthday.

For his personal courage, selflessness, and loyalty to the military oath, Senior Lieutenant Yefymenko was posthumously awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd Class.

He was laid to rest in Poltava, at the Alley of Glory, where his sacrifice was honored by family, comrades, and the community.

Yevhen Yefymenko remains in memory as a devoted son of Ukraine, who gave his life defending its sovereignty and freedom. His story is one of bravery, love for his homeland, and ultimate sacrifice. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his relatives, friends, and fellow soldiers, inspiring future generations to stand firm in the face of adversity.