At Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs, a patriotic lecture was held on the occasion of honoring the memory of the defenders of Ukraine. The event took place within the framework of the participation of the university community in the all-Ukrainian action “I Run for the Hero” and was dedicated to the graduate of DSUIA Illia Khomenkov, who died defending Ukraine.
Illia Khomenkov was born in Dnipro. During 2014–2018 he studied at DSUIA. From childhood he was passionate about sports: he was engaged in swimming, mixed martial arts and grappling. After completing his studies, he worked at the Samarskyi District Police Department of Dnipro.
In 2020, Illia left his service in the police and fulfilled a long-standing dream — he entered into contract service in the French Foreign Legion. However, the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion changed his plans. Without waiting for the end of his contract, he returned to Ukraine, realizing the possible legal consequences of such a decision, and already at the end of February 2022 voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Illia Khomenkov served as a sniper-spotter of the 108th separate brigade of territorial defense. Had the call sign “French”. From the beginning of the full-scale war, he performed combat missions on the Donetsk direction.
On September 6, 2022, Illia died in a battle with Russian occupiers between the villages of Vremivka and Neskuchne of Donetsk region. For a long time, his fate remained unknown — until February 2024, the defender was considered missing in action. Illia Khomenkov was buried in his native Dnipro at the Krasnopilskyi cemetery.
During the patriotic lecture, the participants were told about the life and professional path of the graduate, his service and the decision to return to Ukraine at the most difficult time for the state. Illia’s story became a reminder that behind every name of a fallen defender is a personality, dreams, choice and people for whom this loss will forever remain personal.
Within the framework of the action “I Run for the Hero”, the memory of Illia Khomenkov will be honored not only by word: his name will accompany the participants of the symbolic run. Thus, the memory of the graduate of DSUIA continues to live in the community of the university, of which he was a part for four years.
Illia Khomenkov. “French”. Graduate of DSUIA. Defender of Ukraine. We remember.
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