On December 9, 2025, Ivan Kononenko, a true son of Ukraine known as a warrior, actor, and athlete, was laid to rest in Kyiv. He went missing in late February 2025, but unfortunately, his body was found.
Ivan Kononenko was born in Kyiv on July 26, 1983. He studied to become a veterinarian and had a successful career in that field. However, his life was also connected with sports, where he displayed great endurance and strength.
At the end of 2022, during the invasion, Ivan joined the ranks of the Territorial Defense of the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv. He sustained a serious injury but did not give up, putting in all his efforts to return to health. He returned to the regiment and led a military unit.
Children and Legacy
Ivan Kononenko is survived by two sons — 15-year-old Arkhip and 5-year-old Nikita. His loss is a great loss for all of Ukraine. He will always be remembered as a Hero who gave his life for the country.