The Death of Roman Sikidin
Senior Sergeant Roman Sikidin, call sign Said, aged 47, was killed near Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast on November 3, 2023. His remains were returned in June 2024 during a repatriation exchange. Born on January 17, 1976, in Sumy, he worked as a fitter-assembler and electric welder before his military service.
Sikidin was mobilized in February 2015 and served for a year in the National Guard, fighting on the Donetsk front. In 2016, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and in his final years, he commanded a squad in the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He faced his first battle of the full-scale invasion in Konotop.
His wife Tetiana recalls:
“We last spoke on the phone on November 3, 2023. The next day was our daughter’s birthday, and Roman was heading to his position.”
After that call, all contact with Roman was lost. Tetiana felt uneasy and started calling his comrades on November 5. They confirmed that a fight had broken out at the positions where Roman was stationed. She recounted:
“They told me that when Roman arrived at the position, a battle began. The area they were in was taken over by Russian forces. He was definitely wounded, but there remained a faint hope he might have been captured.”
Awards and Remembrance
Roman Sikidin received several state honors for his service. These include:
- Presidential Commendation for Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation
- Medal 'Participant of the ATO'
- Medal 'Defender of Ukraine. For Honor! For Glory! For the People! Pisky'
- Medal 'For the Defense of Ukraine'
He was posthumously granted the title of Honorary Citizen of the city of Sumy. He is buried at the Novo-Tsentralne Baranivske Cemetery in Sumy.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and his mother, who will remember him as a courageous defender and a loving father.
The death of Roman Sikidin highlights the heavy price Ukrainian soldiers pay in the fight for their country’s independence and territorial integrity. His awards and recognition reflect the deep dedication and bravery he displayed on the front lines. The memory of heroes like Roman remains a vital part of the national consciousness, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members to protect their homeland.
The ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region has claimed numerous lives, including that of a police lieutenant in a recent drone attack. Such tragic events highlight the risks faced by those in service, much like the story of Roman Sikidin, who was awarded posthumous honors for his bravery. To learn more about the impact of these attacks on local law enforcement, you can read about the recent incident involving the police lieutenant here.