Anatolii Denysov

Mariupol Defender Anatolii Denysov (call sign Joker) was killed in captivity on July 29, 2022, during a russian terrorist attack on the Olenivka colony. Just nine days earlier, he had turned 47.

Anatolii was born in Kharkiv. He completed 11 grades at a local school and fulfilled his mandatory military service. Afterward, he dedicated his life to protecting others by joining the police force, where he served for 25 years.

A man of deep compassion, Anatolii was a devoted animal lover and an avid fisherman.

Mr. Denysov joined the Separate Special Purpose Unit «Azov» of Ukraine’s National Guard during the full-scale war. He participated in the defense of Mariupol and Azovstal. In the spring of 2022, Joker was captured along with his fellow soldiers under orders from the high command. Anatolii ended up in Colony No. 120, located in the village of Olenivka, which the russians currently occupy. On the night of July 28-29, the enemy executed an atrocious terrorist attack, detonating explosives on the roof of a barn where the Ukrainian prisoners of war were sleeping. Later, a list of the dead was published, and Anatolii’s relatives found his name among them.

"They took away the most precious person from me. My beloved younger brother was my biggest support and helper… They took away my heart... He was incredibly kind and fair," said Nataliia Makarenko.

Senior Soldier Anatolii Denysov was posthumously awarded the Order "For Courage" of the III Class.

Following the exchange of bodies, Anatolii was laid to rest in Cemetery No. 18 in his native Kharkiv.

His parents, daughter, sister, and nephews had been waiting for the Hero.

Source: Memorial

Contributors: Sophia Yakivtsiv and Tetiana Spindel (translators), Liena Shulika (designer)