In February 2024, during fierce battles in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian serviceman, devoted defender of his country, and talented athlete Kirill Zenin was heroically killed. He was not yet 22 years old.
Kirill was born on March 21, 2002, in the city of Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk region. From an early age, he was passionate about sports and trained at the Marhanets City Branch of the All-Ukrainian Public Organization “Ukrainian Horting Federation.” Thanks to his persistence and skill, he repeatedly became a winner and prize-winner at horting and MMA championships at the city, regional, and oblast levels. In 2019, he was awarded the title “Act of the Year.”
After finishing secondary school in 2018, he entered the Marhanets College of the National Technical University “Dnipro Polytechnic,” graduating in 2022. Later, he continued his studies at the Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
When the full-scale war came to Ukraine, Kirill did not hesitate to take up arms in defense of his homeland. Despite undergoing three complex surgeries on his arm in 2023 and having titanium plates implanted, he never gave up on his dream of military service. As soon as his stitches healed, he applied to join the 3rd Separate Assault Battalion. Having received the long-awaited chance to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he often said:
On February 11, 2024, during the assault on Avdiivka, the enemy attempted to encircle the Ukrainian unit. Without hesitation, Kirill chose to cover his comrades as they formed a defensive perimeter. A sniper’s bullet took his life — but through his courage, he saved his brothers-in-arms.
The Hero’s mother, Anna Zenina, cannot come to terms with the loss: “My son had so many friends, he was always the first to help, never left anyone alone in trouble. His dream was to defend his homeland. He was a true patriot of Ukraine.”
The farewell to the Hero took place on February 15, 2024, in his hometown of Marhanets, where he was laid to rest with military honors.
By decree of the President of Ukraine, Kirill Zenin was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class.
Eternal memory and glory to the Hero.