Forever 19… On June 8, 2022, in the Zaporizhzhia direction, while carrying out a combat mission, Maksym Bereshchuk — a soldier of the National Guard of Ukraine and a young defender of his homeland from the Kyiv region — was killed in action.
Maksym was born on May 12, 2003, in the city of Bila Tserkva. He studied at Secondary School No. 21. He was a dedicated member of the Sparta sports club, where he trained in kickboxing under the guidance of coach Leonid Kulybaba. He also trained diligently in the discipline of Combat Self-Defense ISO.
He became the champion of the Kyiv region in Combat Self-Defense ISO among youth. Maksym dreamed of competing in official ISKA kickboxing tournaments, but he never got the chance — he went to defend his native land instead.
“At training, he always gave his best, listened attentively, never caused conflict. He trained for himself, and it was clear that kickboxing brought him joy. He was friendly, got along well with his teammates, and helped prepare younger children for competitions,” recalls coach Leonid Kulybaba.
On November 25, 2021, Maksym was drafted for compulsory military service. He served as a rifleman in the 3rd unit of the 1st patrol platoon, 1st patrol company, 3rd patrol battalion of Military Unit 3033 of the National Guard of Ukraine. On June 8, 2022, during combat, he sustained a gunshot wound to the chest that proved fatal.
A farewell ceremony for the Hero was held on June 12, 2022, at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Bila Tserkva. Maksym was laid to rest that same day at a cemetery in Kyiv.