In the Velyki Mosty community they remember Mykola Zanko, who was killed defending Ukraine in the Kherson region. Four years have passed since the day the community lost its defender.
Mykola Tarasovych Zanko was born on 19 December 1993 in the town of Velyki Mosty. His childhood and school years passed here; this is where he lived and worked. After finishing school, he worked as an underground miner and a coalface miner in the coal mining section of the Lisova mine. He was a combat veteran.
On 3 March 2022, Mykola was mobilised into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as a senior rifleman in the 2nd rifle squad of the 1st rifle platoon of the 1st rifle company of the 1st rifle battalion of military unit A0998.
On 14 September 2022, the serviceman’s life was cut short during an air strike near the village of Bezimenne in Kherson region. On 19 September 2022, Mykola Zanko was laid to rest in the town cemetery in his native Velyki Mosty, where he was born and raised. He is mourned by his mother, brother and sister.
For his courage, bravery and heroism, Mykola Zanko was posthumously honoured with a number of awards. He was awarded the Cross of the Hero order and the Guard breast badge. By Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 394 of 9 June 2025, Mykola Tarasovych Zanko was posthumously awarded the Order For Courage, 3rd Class, for personal bravery and heroism shown in the defence of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He was also posthumously granted the honorary title Hero of the Velyki Mosty Territorial Community.
The community stresses that the passing years do not lessen the pain of loss, but the memory of the defender remains in history, and in the hearts of his family and of all who knew him and value his bravery. Eternal memory and honour to the defender of Ukraine, Mykola Zanko.