Ukrainian coach and Master of Sports Kostyantyn Solomakin was killed in the war
On August 14, it was confirmed that 42-year-old serviceman, freestyle wrestling coach, and Master of Sports of Ukraine Kostyantyn Solomakin—who had long been considered missing in action—had been killed. He died on May 26, 2025, in the Donetsk region, and his identity was confirmed following the exhumation and identification of his body.
Konstantin was born in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. He attended school in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast. He earned his higher education degree from Donbas State Pedagogical University, majoring in “Physical Education and Sports.”
Solomakin devoted more than 20 years to freestyle wrestling. In 2003, he was awarded the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine. He later worked as a freestyle wrestling coach and instructor at the “Sloviansk Soda Plant” Children’s and Youth Sports School, and subsequently at the Sloviansk City Council’s Children’s and Youth Sports School.
In 2016, Kostyantyn began working with young athletes at the Children’s and Youth Sports Club of the Kramatorsk City Council’s Department of Humanitarian Affairs. In September 2021, he became a freestyle wrestling coach and instructor at Children’s and Youth Sports School No. 1 of the Kramatorsk City Council. He also served as a referee at sports competitions.
On March 3, 2025, Solomakin joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He defended his homeland in the Southern Slobozhanshchyna and Donetsk sectors as part of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
It has been established that the soldier was killed in Novomykhailivka, Kramatorsk District, Donetsk Oblast, on May 26, 2025, at the age of 42. For a long time, he was considered missing in action. Only after his remains were exhumed and identified were his relatives able to lay Kostyantyn to rest.
The funeral took place on August 14 of this year in Lviv. The soldier was buried in a cemetery in the village of Rudno, Lviv Oblast.
The fallen defender is survived by his wife, two children, parents, and brothers.
The Sports Committee of Ukraine reported this on Facebook.
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