General Dmytro Marchenko: Valor, Sacrifice, and the Cost of Health
So Major General Dmytro Marchenko, the man who valiantly defended Mykolaiv and Kherson regions against adversities, has decided to hang up his boots, citing health reasons. No, it’s not because of a sneaky enemy ambush—or was it a particularly tough game of chess on a Sunday afternoon? He took to his Facebook page to break the news, and what a heartfelt message it was. My, oh my, when a general starts talking about health, you know he means business!
The Tough Decision to Step Back
Marchenko expressed that his health had, unfortunately, seen better days. But don’t assume for a moment that it was some namby-pamby pressure from “the enemy” that drove him out. “No tests of the enemy, no pressure forced me to stop,” he proclaimed. That’s a sprightly way of saying this brave general had to face a different kind of battle – one against his own body.
He cheekily acknowledged, “Even unbreakable sometimes need to be patched up a little,” proving that even a valiant warrior can admit they might need a health upgrade. I mean, who knew being a general also required one to clock in for some healthcare?
Marchenko’s Legacy: A Brief Look Back
For those unacquainted, Dmytro Marchenko has a career that reads like an action-packed movie script. He courageously began his military service in Bakhchisarai back in 1996 and has been on the front lines of many heroic episodes. Notably, he was the mastermind behind leading 75 comrades out of what seemed like a cooking pot of doom – the Izvarinsky cauldron – in 2014. What’s next? A Hollywood blockbuster?
Marchenko was instrumental in organizing the defense of the Mykolaiv region in 2022, decisively preventing Russian advances to Odessa. Talk about securing a beach vacation spot! He also played a pivotal role in reforming military material support, introducing new food systems, and developing tasty (or so we hope) dry rations for our brave soldiers. The military diet was in dire need of a gourmet make-over, and he answered the call!
Oh, and amid all his victories, there was a little scandal — in November 2019, he found himself in hot water regarding supposedly overpriced low-quality bulletproof vests! I mean, if you’re going to trade military gear, you might as well get top-notch stuff, right? Luckily, many activists rallied behind him, proving his integrity hadn’t take a nosedive despite the accusations.
Marchenko’s Next Steps: A Call to Action
Now, before we bid adieu to this military stalwart, Marchenko urges everyone with the gall to serve alongside him again or join his freshly minted Marchenko Foundation. It seems that while stepping back from the battlefield, he’s not stepping back from making a difference!
So here’s to Major General Dmytro Marchenko! Thank you for your service, your trials, and your future endeavors. Let’s just hope that next time, he’ll consider a less strenuous hobby—like knitting or interpretive dancing. Can you imagine him hosting a dance-off in his fatigues? Now that’s something I’d pay to see!
The curtain may close on one act of his life, but it’s clear the next one is just warming up to begin!
Major General Dmytro Marchenko, who defended the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, is resigning from the Armed Forces of Ukraine due to his health.
He announced this on his Facebook page.
Marchenko said that his health had deteriorated. He says that he is already undergoing the necessary treatment.
> “No tests of the enemy, no pressure forced me to stop in the steadfast struggle for Ukraine. Therefore, leaving the service was the most difficult decision I made in my life. I am undergoing the necessary treatment,” — wrote general
Dmytro Marchenko noted that service in the army always requires sacrificing health. Therefore, even “unbreakable sometimes need to be patched up a little“, so that they can continue to stay “afloat”.
Marchenko thanked everyone with whom he had the opportunity to serve and invited those willing to join the Marchenko Foundation, which he himself created.
Who is Dmytro Marchenko
Major General Marchenko began his service in 1996 in Bakhchisarai. In 2014, he led 75 comrades out of the encirclement in the Izvarinsky cauldron, participated in the battles for the Donetsk airport and other operations in this direction.
In 2022, he organized the defense of the Mykolaiv region and prevented the Russians from reaching Odessa.
He worked on the reform of material support for the military, the introduction of a new food system, and developed new dry rations for the Ministry of Defense.
On November 11, 2019, he was sent to the pre-trial detention center in the case of the purchase of allegedly low-quality bulletproof vests at an inflated price. At that time, Marchenko headed the Department of the Main Department of Development and Material Support of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. During the investigation, many volunteers and activists stood up for the general. In December of the same year, Marchenko was released on bail.
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**Interview with Major General Dmytro Marchenko: A Transition from Leadership to Legacy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Major General Dmytro Marchenko. It’s a significant moment as you step back from your military service due to health reasons. Can you share what led to this difficult decision?
**General Marchenko:** Thank you for having me. It was indeed a tough choice, but my health has not been what it should be. After a long and arduous journey serving my country, I realized that sometimes the bravest thing one can do is acknowledge personal limitations. It was essential for me to seek the necessary treatment and focus on recovery.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your announcement that no external forces drove this decision, only the need to prioritize your health. Can you elaborate on the inner struggles that led to this realization?
**General Marchenko:** Absolutely. The pressure of serving in the military can be intense, especially during times of conflict. But I’ve always believed in facing our battles head-on, even if they are of a different nature. This was a personal battle I had to confront. I think all soldiers carry the weight of sacrifice, including their health, and recognizing when to step back is also a form of valor.
**Interviewer:** Throughout your career, you’ve led many successful operations, including the defense of Mykolaiv against adversities. Looking back, what does this legacy mean to you?
**General Marchenko:** My time in service is something I will always cherish. The victories, the camaraderie, and even the challenges have shaped who I am. I’m proud of the men and women I served alongside and the impact we made together. I see my legacy not just in battles won but in the lives changed and the future I have hoped to help shape.
**Interviewer:** Now that you’re stepping away from active service, what are your plans ahead? Is there a role you envision for yourself outside the military?
**General Marchenko:** While my uniform may be hung up for now, my commitment to Ukraine hasn’t diminished. I’ll be focusing on establishing the Marchenko Foundation, aimed at supporting veterans and their families. It’s important for me to give back and continue making a difference in the community I love.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a wonderful initiative. Before we wrap up, do you have a message for your fellow soldiers and the people of Ukraine?
**General Marchenko:** Yes, absolutely. To my fellow soldiers, I urge you to take care of yourselves—physical and mental health are paramount. And to the citizens of Ukraine, keep your spirits high. In every struggle, we have shown resilience and bravery. Let’s continue to stand united, as we have always been.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, General Marchenko. Your insights and dedication to your country are truly inspiring. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing the impact of your future endeavors.
**General Marchenko:** Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate the support and look forward to the next chapter!
