Denys Parfonov

Soldier Denys Parfonov (call sign “More”) was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of July 29, 2022, in russian captivity at a colony in the temporarily occupied village of Olenivka, Donetsk Region. The defender was 27 years old.

Denys was the only son in his family and meant the world to his mother. Inna Oleksiivna recalls that from a young age, her boy was persistent, loved justice, and always pursued his dreams. Upon starting school, he aspired to become a professional soccer player, competing in tournaments and winning prizes.

“As Denys matured, he cultivated a passion for boxing and mixed martial arts, achieving notable success in both arenas. In 2015, after graduating from technical college, he took a stand to defend the country,” said Inna, the Hero’s mother.

From 2015 to 2018, Parfonov served in the Azov Separate Special Purpose Detachment of the National Guard of Ukraine and later returned to civilian life. In his hometown of Dnipro, he met his future wife, Victoriia. The couple married, and the fighter’s mother remembers that their relationship thrived on mutual understanding and support. In 2019, they welcomed their son, Matvii—“a little copy of his father.” Denys was a loving and supportive spouse who was actively involved in nurturing his child.

In 2021, the man decided to re-enlist in the military and rejoined the Azov ranks. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, More and his brothers-in-arms defended Mariupol.

“Even in those dreadful circumstances, my son still found a way to send a text to reassure us he was okay. He supported his wife and always encouraged her to care for their little happiness, whom he cherished deeply. Matviy was only 2 years and six months old at the time,” his mother added.

On January 16, 2023, Inna received a phone call requesting her presence in Kyiv for body identification. On January 22, Denys was given a dignified burial in the capital, adhering to the Azov traditions, and was laid to rest in Dnipro the following day.

The defender received the Order “For Courage” of the III Class while still alive and was awarded the Order “For Courage” of the II Class posthumously.

He is survived by his mother, wife, son, and other relatives.

Source: Memorial

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