World kickboxing champion Pavlo Derevyanko killed in Russian air strike on Kramatorsk

Death of a distinguished athlete and warrior

On 12 November, Pavlo Derevyanko was killed as a result of an enemy air strike on the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region. The 40-year-old man was serving in the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the time. This was announced by the Department of Physical Culture and Sport of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration.

Sporting achievements

Pavlo Derevyanko was a three-time world kickboxing champion under the WKA version, a European champion, and a two-time world champion in Cossack duelling. He was also a multiple-time champion of Ukraine.

Professional path and service

Pavlo Derevyanko was from the city of Lyman in Donetsk region. Before the start of the full-scale invasion, he worked as a coach at the "Lokomotiv" physical culture and sports complex in his hometown. From 2015 to 2022, he taught at the Donetsk Regional Children's and Youth Sports School of Kickboxing, and also held the position of senior coach of the Donetsk regional team in Cossack duelling.

Circumstances of death

With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Pavlo stood up to defend Ukraine. He served in the Donetsk Zonal Department of the AFU Military Law Enforcement Service, where he held the military rank of lieutenant and the position of senior officer of the "Scorpion" rapid response and emergency unit. On 12 November, the warrior was killed while carrying out his military duty, specifically during counter-sabotage operations in Kramatorsk.