While carrying out a combat mission in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, the commander of an elite Special Operations Forces group, Evgeniy Lemeshenko, was killed. This occurred on September 16, 2024, during a battle with the enemy near the village of Obukhivka. He was just over two weeks away from celebrating his 29th birthday.
Evgeniy Lemeshenko was born on October 5, 1995, in Svitlovodsk, Kirovohrad region. Soon after, his family moved to Kyiv Oblast, settling in Fastiv, where he graduated from secondary school. In 2019, he completed his studies at the National University of Food Technologies, and in 2021, he enrolled at the Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav. Evgeniy worked as a physical education teacher at Fastiv Lyceum No. 7.
From his youth, he was a dedicated member, and later a leader and coach, of the patriotic sports club “Kaskad.” He also served as a senior scout and head of the Fastiv branch of the Plast Scouts. He achieved many victories in various competitions, from free fighting to Cossack martial arts. Colleagues and students remembered him as a true professional, a beloved coach for children, and someone who earned the respect of parents.
After the full-scale Russian invasion began, Evgeniy did not hesitate to defend his country from the invaders. Initially serving in a territorial defense battalion, he later passed a rigorous selection process and became the commander of a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces group.
In his biography, he wrote: “I took my Plast scout oath. I am certain this is just the beginning. I will change the world for the better, nurture Ukrainian traditions and customs, help develop Plast, and never stray from the path I’ve chosen!”
Evgeniy Lemeshenko remained true to these principles until the very last moment of his life.
Eternal memory and glory to the Hero!