20-year-old soldier Kyrylo Hetun, callsign "Bakhmut", was killed in action on July 18, 2025, near the village of Iziumske in Kharkiv Oblast.
Born on August 16, 2004, in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast. He attended local School No. 10 and later Gymnasium "Suzirya." As a child, he loved constructing complex models out of LEGO, playing chess, and cycling through his hometown.
He studied at the Financial and Legal Vocational College of the Donetsk University of Economics and Law, graduating following relocation to Kyiv after the full-scale invasion. He then enrolled at Borys Hrinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University to major in Cybernetics while working for Nova Poshta as an operator and courier.
Military Service & Path to the Frontline:
Driven by the desire to help liberate his home region and honor his grandfather Oleksandr—who was killed by Wagner forces in Bakhmut in 2023—Kyrylo chose to leave university and job deferments behind. On November 13, 2024, he enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Served as a driver in the anti-tank battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, fighting in the Kharkiv direction.
Sustained a wound in January 2025, underwent treatment, and returned to the front lines after a brief leave.
"Despite my objections to his going to war, despite his job deferment and university studies, and despite his young age, my son showed courage and a desire to stand among strong-willed warriors... He never complained, no matter how hard things got. He always said: 'Everything is fine, mom. Why are you worrying?'" recalled his mother, Natalia.
On July 18, 2025, Kyrylo was wounded during a combat mission on the line of contact near Iziumske, Kharkiv Oblast. While being evacuated using an unmanned ground robotic platform, an enemy FPV drone attacked the vehicle, killing him instantly.
Kyrylo was cremated, and his ashes are preserved by his mother in Odesa. He is survived by his parents, grandmother, and uncle.
At 9:00 AM — the national minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the "Heroes Memorial" platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk Oblast.