In the Drohobych community, the death of Ukrainian defender Mykola Kovaliv, a senior sergeant with the call sign “Atom”, has been officially confirmed. Since 20 May 2025, the soldier had been considered missing in action during a combat mission near the settlement of Torske in the Kramatorsk district of Donetsk region. A report on his death, citing official confirmation, was published by Drohobych City Council.
Mykola Kovaliv was born on 9 December 1981 and lived in the village of Bronnytsia. After studying at the Bronnytsia Gymnasium, he trained as a carpenter at VPU No. 15 and later worked abroad for some time.
In February 2022, he voluntarily took up arms to defend Ukraine. Most recently, he was serving as a senior sergeant — rifleman-operator of the 2nd mechanised section of the 1st mechanised platoon of the 3rd mechanised company within the 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade.
On 20 May 2025, while carrying out a combat mission in the Torske area, Mykola Kovaliv went missing in action. According to preliminary information, this happened as a result of mortar and artillery shelling and FPV drone strikes. For almost 16 months, his family and loved ones waited for news of him. On 3 October 2026, his death was officially confirmed.
According to those who knew Mykola, he was not only a courageous soldier, but also a kind and compassionate person, always ready to support his family, friends and acquaintances. He was respected for his sincerity, goodwill and humanity.
The fallen defender is survived by his father, wife, sisters and nephews. Drohobych City Council, its executive committee, the Mayor Taras Kuchma and the Council Secretary Orest Karakevych expressed their condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Mykola Kovaliv.
The community has promised to provide additional information on the time of arrival of the funeral cortege with the body of the fallen warrior.