Son of teachers from Poltava, Yurii Dmytrenko went voluntarily on war in summer of 2014. “At that time I finished receiving education of engineer-builder and undergoing a course at reserve-officer training department. All were afraid of to be taken urgently on the east of Ukraine but I dreamt about it,” remembered Yurii. “In July, I went to military enlistment office, and in August I signed contract. I fought as a simple soldier; I didn’t become to wait for compiling documents on being promoted to Junior Lieutenant”.>
He served in military intelligence one year and a half – in the 54th separate reconnaissance battalion. Along with his unit he performed tasks in the ATO area: Mariupol, Vodiane, Chermalyk, Horlivka, Artemivsk, Toretsk, Popasna, Troitske, Pervomaisk, Zolote. Combat raids lasted till autumn of 2016 when Yurii’s unit received task to save wounded sworn brothers near Hnutove village, Donetsk region.
Returning from that raid, Yurii Dmytrenko as a reconnaissance machine gunner covered the retreat of the reconnaissance group but he was blown up by Russian anti-personal mine, forbidden by international agreements, and lost a leg.
It is passed only six months after being wounded but Yurii has already taken part in cross-fit contests among healthy servicemen – he was only one who had an amputation limb. 
Later he entered second team of Ukrainian team of “Invictus Games” and took part in US Marines Marathon where he overcame ten kilometers with the result of one hour and eleven minutes.
Now Yurii Dmytrenko is taking part in this year “Invictus Games” in Sydney.
Yesterday, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak informed that he bestowed rank of Lieutenant to Yurii Dmytrenko, during the meeting with participants of the National Team of Ukraine.
The Head of defence ministry congratulated Yurii and handed him officer shoulder boards.
Today, it has become known that Yurii Dmytrenko secured a silver medal on discus throwing.
We sincerely congratulate courage warrior on victory and bestowing officer rank! We wish new successes for the sake of Ukraine!