Darina STEPANENKO

Darina Stepanenko died on May 24, 2024, near the settlement of Terny in the Donetsk region while carrying out a combat mission. She was only 33 years old.

Darina trained as a passenger train conductor at the Kharkiv Professional Railway Transport College. In 2009, she began working at the Kharkiv Carriage Depot of the "Passenger Company" branch. She had 14 years of work experience.

Colleagues recall that she easily integrated into the new team, as she communicated simply, sincerely, and in a friendly manner. She approached her work diligently, was honest, active, and open. Darina was known to everyone as a fighter, restless and always in motion, constantly striving for justice.

In May 2023, Darina voluntarily approached the military recruitment office. She successfully passed the selection process for military service. She had the right to choose her military position but, without hesitation, chose the path of a shooter in a combat unit. She explained her motivation for serving by stating that she was ready to protect the future of her daughter, whom she raised alone, at a time when not all men were willing to defend their homeland. Darina served as a senior operator in the 1st anti-tank platoon.

Darina is survived by her daughter.

The team at the Kharkiv Carriage Depot deeply mourns this irreparable loss and expresses sincere condolences to Darina Stepanenko's daughter, family, and loved ones. We will forever remember her as a brave and just colleague, whose courage and readiness to protect her child's future serve as an example of resilience. Eternal memory to the Heroine!