Today, Kolomyia bid farewell to its hero — Anton Dmytrenko, senior soldier and operator of the special forces unit of the 140th Separate Center for Special Operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who was killed while carrying out a combat mission in Russia’s Kursk region.
Anton was born in the heart of the Carpathians — in Kolomyia. From a young age, he was captivated by the history of his people, while his body and spirit were forged through sport. As a schoolboy, he immersed himself in freestyle wrestling and football, tirelessly honing his skills. By his school years, Anton was already winning competitions, and from the eighth grade, he became an active player on the school football team.
After school, he chose the path of sport and professional development, studying football at the Ivano-Frankivsk College of Physical Culture and Sport. During his studies, he returned to freestyle wrestling, achieving numerous victories at regional and national levels and reaching the rank of “Candidate for Master of Sport.” He later earned a bachelor’s degree from the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Faculty of Physical Culture and Sport.
At the same time, Anton was an active community member, participating in patriotic organizations such as “Ultras Pokuttya,” “Right Sector,” and “Trident.”
Even before the full-scale invasion by Russian troops, he chose the path of a warrior-defender, joining the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine. During the Ukrainian-Russian war, as a senior soldier and special forces operator, Anton took part in numerous operations. For the successful completion of missions in the Kursk region, he was awarded the Order “For Courage” III class.
It was in Kursk that he fought his final battle. On September 12, 2024, near the Russian village of Plekhov, Anton Dmytrenko was killed while covering the retreat of his comrades. He was only 22 years old.
His death was a profound loss for the entire community. “On behalf of the community, I express my condolences to Anton’s family, loved ones, and all who knew him. We share in your indescribable grief. Eternal memory and glory to our defender,” wrote the mayor of Kolomyia, Bohdan Stanislavskyi.
Anton Dmytrenko leaves behind cherished memories and a shining example of strength, dedication, and courage. He is survived by his parents, younger sister Olya, and beloved wife Marichka.
The Hero was laid to rest on the Alley of Glory in his native Kolomyia on September 27, 2024.
His name will forever remain a symbol of strength, patriotism, and the indomitable spirit of Ukraine.