Miory Regional Executive Committee
Nikita Kukonenko is a graduate of the Polotsk Cadet School. He died at the age of 22 near Baranovichi while performing a training flight on a Yak-130. The aircraft suddenly lost control and began to fall toward a district of high-rise buildings. Upon detecting system failures, the pilots were supposed to eject according to procedure, but they decided to remain in the cockpit of the descending aircraft and steer it away from residential buildings.
Honored guests who took part in the event included: Igor Karpenko, Chairman of the Central Election Commission; Sergey Levkovich, Presidential Assistant and Inspector for the Vitebsk Region; Igor Markovich, Chairman of the Polotsk District Executive Committee; Igor Burmistrov, Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee; Bishop Ignatius of Polotsk and Glubokoye; Sergey Zhitikhin, Chairman of the Republican Council of the Public Association "Belarusian Union of Suvorovites and Cadets"; and Natalia Olegovna, mother of Nikita Kukonenko.
The new buildings of the Polotsk Cadet School are located within the territory of the Upper Castle and face directly toward the spiritual pearl of the region—the Sophia Cathedral. At this hallowed ground, the history and traditions of the Polotsk Cadet Corps are being revived and continued, said Igor Karpenko, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Belarus, who was present at the event:
– The monument we are unveiling today testifies that the tradition of honoring our graduates, heroes, is carried forward by modern generations of cadets. This memorial is not only a tribute to the memory and respect for Nikita Kukonenko. It is also a symbol of courage, resilience, and the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the lives of others. It is a symbol of high patriotism and all those important civic-patriotic qualities instilled here, at the Polotsk Cadet School, which means that the history and traditions continue. I would like to thank everyone involved in the idea of creating, realizing, and installing this monument. Thank you to all those who care about the history of the Polotsk land, its famous natives, and all those who serve as a bright example of service to the Fatherland and the Belarusian people.
Sergey Levkovich, in turn, thanked everyone who participated in the creation of the memorial.
Nikita and his comrade Andrei have forever inscribed their names in history. We hope that all cadets of the school will remember Nikita's feat, said Nikita Kukonenko's classmate, Alexander Ul'skiy.
The words were hardest for the hero's mother, Natalya Olegovna:
Congratulations to everyone on the opening of the memorial plaque. Our family has waited a long time for this event. I thank everyone who participated in fundraising for the monument, and each individual who contributed to its creation. Looking at the likeness crafted by the sculptor, it appears lifelike and perfectly captures our Nikita's character. Dear cadets, I address you. Always strive toward your goals, remain confident in yourselves, love your Homeland, value life, and take pride in our heroes!
His Eminence Ignatii also addressed those present. He emphasized that individuals willing to lay down their lives out of love for their neighbor live eternally with God.
Be worthy of the memory of Heroes such as Nikita Kukonenko, concluded the Bishop of Polotsk and Glubokoye. …
A minute of silence passed, and fresh flowers were laid at the foot of the monument.
In tribute to the Hero of Belarus, the cadets marched in a ceremonial procession.