"HETSHOT"

A native of Mariupol, he chose the path of a defender from an early age. From the age of 16, he completed a young fighter course in the “Azov” regiment, and in 2015 he joined the Dobrovolchyi Ukrainskyi Korpus “Pravyi Sektor” (Ukrainian Volunteer Corps), where he went through the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and was wounded. After rehabilitation, he continued his service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in the 44th Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Danylo Apostol, where he met the full-scale invasion. His dream was to join the 12th Special Purpose Brigade “Azov”—and it came true. Viktor went through the hottest areas of Kyiv Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblast. He was always the first into battle, never hiding behind others. After missions, he helped everyone—unloading ammunition, loading the guns, and supporting his fellow soldiers. He did not chase ranks or awards; for him, the mission and the team mattered most. Born in Mariupol, he graduated from a vocational school as a crane operator and worked at Azovstal. In civilian life, he was sincere, open, and always smiling. Children adored him because they felt the warmth that came from his heart. After Victory, he dreamed of settling in Vinnytsia—a city he came to love during MMA competitions. He stood at the origins of the “Kontakt12” group, passed experience on to younger fighters, and was the heart of the unit. His determination inspired others, and his drive and simplicity drew people in. To his own—he was a brother, a support, a hope. To the enemy—fear and precision. A representative of the Mariupol fan movement. From 2016, he was active in the First Sector; from 2017, he served in the army. A man who grew up in war, who knew no other life than the struggle for Ukraine. He was killed on November 10, 2024, near Leonidivka, Bakhmut District. He was only 25. “Khetshot” is a legend who left a part of himself—his spirit and unbreakable strength—within the unit. When things get hard, we will remember your words: “War, brother”—smile, and keep fighting.