Oleg “Keks” Smirnov is a fan of the football club “Niva” (Vinnitsa).
Oleg Maksimovich Smirnov was born on March 23, 2004 in the city of Vinnitsa. He studied at the city lyceum No. 29. Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming a military man, from an early age he saw himself as a special agent, sought to protect people. He was engaged in boxing, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, as well as dancing. Since adolescence, he participated in school and citywide events, had many awards.
At the age of 14 he came to Vinnytsia “Edelweiss”, where he was engaged in educational activities. Participated in organizing events aimed at honoring the memory of Ukrainian national heroes. He regularly visited orphanages with gifts for children with disabilities, as well as animal shelters.
In 2018, he began to support Vinnytsia “Niva” in the fan sector, where Oleg was invited by friends. He took an active part in the preparation of performances and other activities related to the support of the team.
After the beginning of a full-scale war, Oleg joined the Defense Assistance Society, i.e. because of his too young age he could not join any of the units. He trained a lot, and when he turned 18, he joined the tactical group “Revenge”, as part of which he performed combat tasks in various directions of the front.
The brothers recall how “Cupcake” came to the troops with a childlike confused look, but with a persistent and strong-willed desire to become a warrior.
- “The grueling training and hard work made him an agile and avid scout. Always cheerful and cheerful, smiling and ready for challenges, Oleg mastered not only combat tactics, but also the principles of operation of various weapons. Often could give appropriate advice to older and more experienced fighters,” the unit's page reads.
The brothers in arms remembered the words of “Keksa” about the fact that he would leave them when “the gray rain comes.” Oleg Smirnov died on July 14, 2023 while performing a combat mission near the village. Podstepne (Kherson region). The 19-year-old soldier's life was cut short by enemy mortar fire.
Awarded the distinction of GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine “For courage in the performance of a special task”. Buried on the Alley of Glory of his hometown.
