A warrior, patriot, and athlete, Yurii Korotov gave his life in Donetsk region, defending Ukraine from Russian invaders.
Born in Dnipro, Yurii displayed determination and a thirst for victory from an early age. His greatest passion was football—he played for the youth teams of “Dnipro” and “Inter.” At 14, he made the bold decision to continue his sports career far from home, in Volodymyr, then still known as Volodymyr-Volynskyi. This move became the first test of his character—resolute, responsible, and unwavering in pursuit of his dreams.
The football field shaped Yurii not only physically but also morally. Later, he joined the fan movement of FC Dnipro, which united him with like-minded people who shared the values of honor, justice, and brotherhood. Stepping onto the fan tribune for the first time at 16, he passionately supported his team at home and away matches and actively participated in the movement’s life. At the same time, Yurii took up boxing, volunteered, helped children battling cancer, and always stood by those in need.
When Ukraine faced the ordeal of full-scale war, Yurii took up arms without hesitation. He became a fighter of the Special Operations Forces “Azov Kyiv,” where many of his fellow football supporters had already joined, and later— a soldier in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving as a grenadier in the 1st mechanized squad of the 2nd mechanized platoon. His determination was fueled by a desire to avenge the loss of his friend and teammate Denys, and his weapons were fearlessness and unwavering loyalty to Ukraine.
On January 17, 2023, during a combat mission near the village of Klishchiivka, close to Bakhmut, Yurii sustained fatal wounds while covering his comrades. The battle lasted several days, and only after it ended was his body recovered.
For his heroism, Yurii Korotov was posthumously awarded the Order of “For Courage” III Class. He was laid to rest in the village of Liubymivka, Dnipropetrovsk region.
He will be remembered as a true warrior, a loyal friend, a man with a great heart and an unbreakable spirit. He dreamed of the future—of building a family, of the birth of his daughter, for whom he had received a symbolic talisman—tiny baby shoes meant to bring him back to peaceful life. Sadly, that future was not meant to be.
Eternal memory to the Hero. His fight, his strength, and his love for Ukraine will forever live in the hearts of Ukrainians.