Ukrainian actor and strongman Ivan Kononenko killed on Kursk front

Ukrainian actor and athlete Ivan Kononenko has been confirmed killed while serving on the Kursk front, after being listed as missing in action for an extended period.

The news was announced by the State Film Agency of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

“Ivan was not only a serviceman – before the full-scale invasion he had spent many years working in the film industry and in sports. He was a longtime member of the team of legendary strongman Vasyl Virastyuk, competing in weightlifting and strongman events. Over the years, he became a prizewinner and champion at numerous competitions, including the Ukraine Open 2006 Olimp Strongman (Kyiv, April 23, 2006),” the statement reads.

In the film and television industry, Kononenko appeared in a wide range of productions. His credits include Infernal Banner, or Cossack Christmas, Servant of the People, Love in Chains, The First Swallows, Crazy Wedding, Kyiv Day and Night, Real Mysticism, Watch, Yellow Star, September, Investigators, and Karas.

As reported earlier, Valerii Lytvyn – violinist of the Veryovka Choir and sound engineer of the Berehynia Theater – was also killed in action.