She dreamed of becoming a singer, opening her own vocal school, and starting a family. But Russia's war against Ukraine changed everything. Just four days before her wedding, 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier Valentyna Makarenko went on her first combat mission. She never returned.
From Music to the Front Line
Valentyna Makarenko was born in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine. From an early age, she loved singing and won numerous vocal competitions. Later, her family moved to Kyiv, where she studied at the University of Culture and dreamed of teaching music and opening her own vocal academy.
Everything changed after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Continuing Her Stepfather's Mission
The first member of the family to join the Armed Forces was her stepfather, Vitalii. He volunteered at the beginning of the invasion and was killed in September 2022 during fighting near Balakliia.
His death deeply affected Valentyna. She first volunteered to support the military, but eventually decided to enlist herself.
Despite standing only 155 centimeters tall, she became a machine gunner in Ukraine's 4th Separate Tank Brigade, serving under the call sign "Makar."
A Wedding That Never Happened
During her military service, Valentyna met fellow soldier Serhii. The couple fell in love, and he proposed to her.
They registered their marriage through Ukraine's online government service and planned to marry on January 15, 2024. Their families had already bought train tickets to attend the ceremony.
But four days before the wedding, Valentyna received her first combat assignment.
Her Last Phone Call
On January 10, 2024, her unit was deployed to the Izium direction near the village of Raihorodka.
Before leaving, Valentyna called her mother. Wearing body armor and a helmet, she calmly said she would be away for three or four days and would call again when she returned.
That call became her last.
The vehicle carrying Valentyna and three fellow soldiers was struck by a Russian anti-tank missile. All four Ukrainian servicemembers were killed instantly.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
While identifying her daughter's body, Valentyna's mother received another devastating piece of news.
Doctors informed her that Valentyna had been pregnant for approximately two to three weeks. According to her family, she most likely had no idea she was expecting a child.
In a single moment, her mother lost both her daughter and an unborn grandchild.
Valentyna Makarenko was laid to rest at Kyiv's Lisove Cemetery, beside her stepfather.
A Dream Fulfilled After Her Death
Valentyna left behind a notebook filled with poems. She had always hoped to turn them into songs but never had the chance.
After her death, one of her poems, "Her Happiness Is on the Eastern Border," was set to music as part of the "I Will Not Forget" project. Ukrainian singer Olya Soniachna performed the song in memory of Valentyna and the three soldiers who died alongside her.
A Life Cut Short by War
Valentyna Makarenko's story reflects the immense human cost of Russia's war against Ukraine. She never wore her wedding dress, never learned she was going to become a mother, and never had the opportunity to live the peaceful life she dreamed of.
Instead, she chose to defend her country.
Her courage, sacrifice, and love for Ukraine will never be forgotten.
Eternal memory to Valentyna Makarenko and to all Ukrainian defenders who gave their lives for freedom. 🇺🇦
