Kyiv bids farewell to fallen marine and photographer Kostiantyn Huzenko (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Hundreds attended the farewell for the fallen soldier, including his colleagues and brothers-in-arms. Mourners first gathered at St. Michael's Cathedral, then at Independence Square.

On the square, many recalled what Kostiantyn was like. Among them was director and cinematographer Taras Fedorenko, who filmed the press officer for the video project "On the Frame Line."

"I remember we came to Kostia, and I'd heard about him before, but how he combined that romanticism and such love, brightness with such stern service, the service of a marine... And what I really want to say... It's a shame to bury such young friends at our age, but the fact of death is smaller than the life Kostia lived. I'm so glad to see such a large number of people, such a large number of bright, young people," the director said.

One of the fallen soldier's brothers-in-arms also spoke. The defender emphasized that Kostiantyn "immortalized how Ukraine gains its freedom."

"At a time when many in the military want to give up a lot to leave combat positions, he made the decision and started transferring to a combat position. To destroy the enemy, to protect his family, to protect each of you. But war made its corrections... Look how many flags (at the people's memorial to fallen warriors — ed.). These are all the best, the cream of the crop. There's a saying: 'They died so we live.' So live for them, live with dignity, remember," the serviceman said.

Marines handed the fallen soldier's parents a flag and beret.

Kostiantyn, 28, was a photographer, media producer and podcast creator. He worked with the Ukraїner team and the "War Archive" project. He joined the military in early 2024 and served as a staff sergeant in the communications unit of the 35th Rear Adm. Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi Separate Marine Brigade, where he acted as press officer.

Kostiantyn's death was reported on November 3. His colleagues did not disclose the circumstances of his death.

However, hromadske learned that days earlier, the 35th Separate Marine Brigade lost fighters in a Russian missile strike.

What is known about the attack?

On November 1, Russian forces conducted a combined attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, resulting in civilian and military casualties. The "East" troop grouping first reported it without further details.

According to the regional prosecutor's office, Russians struck civilian infrastructure in one of the villages in the Pishchane territorial community of Samar district with a missile and drones.

TSN journalist Dmytro Svaitnenko, brother of one of the fallen soldiers, said the brigade's best pilots and infantry were ordered to gather in the open for an awards ceremony that day — November 1 marked the anniversary of the establishment of the 35th Separate Marine Brigade's "Katran" unmanned systems battalion. Then a ballistic missile struck.

An informed source told hromadske there were two strikes. One hit the awards site, causing military casualties. The second struck a local store — no deaths, but injuries.

The final number of killed and wounded soldiers remains unknown. The prosecutor's office reported four deaths (including children aged 11 and 14) and seven injuries.

The 35th Separate Marine Brigade officially confirmed only the missile strike and said relevant services are communicating with soldiers' families. However, families of servicemembers complained that the brigade did not properly inform them of what happened.

One serviceman who also attended the awards told public broadcaster Suspilne he heard from medics about eight killed, 40 wounded and six missing. The brigade has not commented on these figures. The serviceman suggested the strike likely resulted from leaked information to the Russians.

The 30th Marine Corps of the Ukrainian Navy, which includes the 35th Brigade, said an investigation is underway to clarify all circumstances, and "certain officials" have been suspended.

The State Bureau of Investigation is checking whether personnel safety requirements were met during the air raid alert and whether soldier shelters were properly organized. The pre-trial investigation is under Part 4 of Article 425 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — negligence in military service during martial law.