Kostyantyn "Henrikh" Krasilnikov was one of the Ukrainians who left behind a peaceful civilian life to defend his country after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. A volunteer with the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade, he fought in the defense of Kyiv, the battles of the Serebrianskyi Forest, and on the Bakhmut front. To his comrades, he remains a symbol of courage, kindness, and humanity.

Answering the Call

After Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Kostyantyn volunteered to join the 131st Separate Battalion of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade.

He took part in the defense of Kyiv on the Hostomel axis.

When asked why he chose to fight, his answer was simple:

"I serve for the better future of my sons."

Even at the front, he never lost his love for nature. His comrades remember him planting small vegetable gardens near their positions, caring for plants, and teaching others about edible trees and wild fruits.

The Serebrianskyi Forest

In October 2022, his unit was deployed to the Serebrianskyi Forest near Kreminna in eastern Ukraine.

Almost immediately, Kostyantyn joined an assault on Russian Wagner Group positions and later helped evacuate a severely wounded commander under heavy enemy fire.

Despite constant danger, his fellow soldiers remember him as calm, smiling, and always ready to lift the spirits of those around him.

One comrade recalled a conversation during a freezing winter night in the trenches:

"When we defeat the Russians, we'll take our families to the sea. We'll enjoy the sunshine, and the children will play in the water."

Kostyantyn also became known for taking care of his fellow soldiers through cooking. His pancakes and hearty breakfasts became legendary within the unit.

After exhausting combat missions, his meals gave many soldiers a rare feeling of home.

During the Kreminna deployment, he completed more combat missions than anyone else in his unit.

Following a period of recovery, he completed additional military training and was promoted to the rank of Junior Sergeant.

In October 2022, Konstantin's unit was redeployed to eastern Ukraine. They participated in battles in the Serebryansky Forest in the Kreminsk direction.

On the second day, "Henrikh" stormed a position of the "Wagner" group along with his comrades, and afterwards, he pulled a severely wounded commander to safety under fire.

"In the most difficult moments, Kostya remained smiling and calm, always ready to support with an incredible sense of humor. A true Ukrainian hero," shares comrade Vadym.

Another comrade, Pavlo, recounts his memories from the Serebryansky Forest.

"It was winter, on one of the SPs. Cold, damp, we're digging in, sand getting everywhere — he joked about this constantly, especially when shells were landing nearby.

We were resting with 'Henrikh.' Kostya leaned against a sand wall and said: 'When we win against the Moskals, we’ll go to the sea with our families. We will bask in the sun, and the kids will splash in the water — there will be no sand on the beach, only pebbles,'" Pavlo recounts.

Even in conditions of constant tension, Konstantin always cared for his comrades, supporting them in difficult moments. One of the ways he did this was through cooking.

"I returned from the 'gray zone,' wet and hungry. I walked into the kitchen, and Kostya was having breakfast, reading an e-book. I said hello and went to change.

Fifteen minutes later, Kostya came into the room and said: 'Sashik, let's have breakfast, I made scrambled eggs with bacon and tea without sugar, just how you like it.' At that moment, I felt so warm inside, as if I were home," shares comrade Oleksandr.

During the rotation in the Kreminsk direction, Konstantin had the most combat outings of his unit.

A comrade with the call sign "Dobry" recalls:

"He was a calm and kind person. He loved cooking, especially pancakes. I have never tasted pancakes as delicious as 'Henrikh's!' I remember we were talking in the trench. Kostya said: 'Dobry, have you thought about the fact that today you are making history for Ukraine? This war will be written about in textbooks, and we will be heroes!'" says "Dobry."

Kasper adds:

"Kostya took on not only his burden as a soldier but also without question provided for the needs of the entire group. Other guys complained because everyone was struggling with their loads, but 'Henrikh' never argued because he understood why it was necessary," he concluded.

After returning from the Serebryansky Forest and a short period of recovery, Konstantin completed training and was awarded the rank of junior sergeant.

Bakhmut direction

In September 2023, "Henrikh" again went with his comrades east — this time to the Bakhmut direction.

Even during fierce battles near Klishchiivka, he continued to support his comrades, both in words and deeds.

"He never complained, even when danger was near. 'Henrikh,' like a ray of hope, smiled and allowed us to endure another difficult day, another outing. Even our last conversation was filled with kindness, and even more so with sorrow," recalls comrade Ivan.

The last battle

Regarding the events of that day, a comrade with the call sign "Kasper" recalls:

"War introduces you to interesting people. Only in wartime do you see who people really are. Kostyan was just that. I remember the dark day when he was going out. Around six in the morning, I walked into the kitchen. Kostya was drinking tea, calm and composed. He was alive and genuine — that’s how I will remember him," says Kasper.

On November 1, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission in the Bakhmut direction, near Klishchiivka, junior sergeant Konstantin "Henrikh" Krasilnikov was killed by a fragment of an enemy mine.

Comrade Ivan adds:

"'Henrikh' had just recently made pancakes and was inviting everyone for dinner. I deeply regret that I refused to go; it seemed there would be another chance. But that chance will never come again... Now I honor him every morning at 9:00, recalling all the warm moments," he says.

Oleksandr recalls a unique photo taken together.

"I was transitioning to another unit and stopped by to say goodbye to the guys. I met our mutual comrade and we decided to take a photo. When I turned back my phone, 'Henrikh' had managed to position himself between us and smiled. This is the only photo I have with him," shares Oleksandr.

Kostya taught me many things, but most of all, I will remember his kindness and decency. Also — the importance of valuing people and moments here and now, rather than postponing them for later," he concludes.

Konstantin was buried at the Lisove Cemetery in Kyiv.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, and mother.

Eternal memory and honor to the Hero!

Photos from the family archive and comrades

Prepared by the Ukrainian National Agency Ukrinform in cooperation with the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory and the online media of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine ArmyInform