He was killed while liberating his native land from the occupiers. On October 31, 2022, as a result of enemy shelling near the village of Sukhyi Stavok in the Kherson region, the life of 25-year-old Defender of Ukraine Danylo Taranenko was cut short.
He was born in the city of Oleksandriia in the Kirovohrad region. From childhood, Danylo was drawn to movement, to competition, to victory. Beginning in 2012, he trained under the guidance of Oleksii Kravchenko. He earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sports of Ukraine in military-sport all-around — a discipline that combines physical strength, endurance, precision, and a cool head. Danylo was repeatedly a prizewinner at Ukrainian championships and international competitions. Later, the athlete devoted himself to refereeing, choosing the role of arbiter. He held the First Referee Category.
In 2014, Danylo graduated from school and enrolled in a technical college. In 2017, he began his compulsory military service. And on February 26, 2022 — the third day of the full-scale invasion — he and his brother stood up to defend Ukraine, joining the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Without hesitation — just as he stepped onto the field of competition — composed, confident, resolute.
Danylo Taranenko served in the 61st Separate Infantry Brigade. He took part in the battles for the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. On October 31, 2022, in the Kherson region, he sustained wounds in enemy shelling that were incompatible with life.
He returned home forever — into silence, into memory, into the hearts of the people. He was only 25. The Defender was laid to rest at the Verbolozivske Cemetery in his native Oleksandriia.
Danylo is survived by his father, mother, brother, and sister.
Eternal memory and deepest gratitude to the Warrior.