Major Hennadii Romanenko, call sign “Mudryi” (“Wise”), was killed on November 4, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Druzhba, close to Horlivka. He was 55 years old.
Hennadii was born in Yenakiieve, Donetsk region. In 1993, he graduated from the Shakhtynsk branch of the Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute with a degree in electromechanics of mining equipment. After graduation, he was assigned to the “Yuny Komunar” mine, where he worked as an underground electrical fitter of the 4th grade.
From 2004 to 2014, he worked at the “Yenakiieve” mine as Head of Ventilation Safety Engineering. He was passionate about Ukrainian history and numismatics. He loved reading philosophy and history books, tended his orchard, grew flowers, fruit trees, grapes, and nuts. He also kept bees and raised domestic animals. Since 2016, he had lived with his family in Kyiv, where he worked as an electrician.
During the full-scale war, Hennadii served as a platoon commander in the 101st Separate Brigade of the General Staff’s Guard. Together with his subordinates, the officer carried out difficult missions in some of the most dangerous areas of the front.
“He was our dear, beloved, caring Father, a loving husband, a fearless Warrior and Defender, a wise, kind, decent man, and a true professional in everything. A genuine patriot of his homeland, who performed his duties with dignity, honor, and exceptional skill — ensuring national security, defense, and resistance against Russian armed aggression. His patriotism and courage are honored by all of Ukraine and the entire civilized world. Without hesitation about risks to his health, our father fulfilled his sacred duty as a warrior standing in defense of his native land. Thanks to such people, the Ukrainian nation is being reborn, the Armed Forces are growing stronger, and Ukraine is becoming invincible. We pay the deepest respect to our Father for his warmth, love, and support. The Ukrainian army, the state, and the people are proud of him.” — said his wife, Rumiia.
Major Romanenko was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage” III Class. He was buried at Berkovetske Cemetery in Kyiv.
Hennadii is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
At 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.