Kostiantyn O. Volianskyi (Volia)

Senior Soldier Kostiantyn Volianskyi (call sign Volia) was killed on January 17, 2024, while carrying out a combat mission in the area of the village of Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region. A hostile drone dropped an explosive, as a result of which the defender received a fatal shrapnel wound to the head. Now he is forever 28 years old. Kostiantyn was born in the village of Bolhan, Vinnytsia region. In 2013, he graduated from the Vinnytsia Center for Vocational Education of the Processing Industry and obtained the profession of a car repair mechanic and a manual electric welder. He worked abroad for some time: in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. He earned money to provide for his family in Ukraine. He loved to repair cars and motorcycles. In general, he was a versatile person - whatever he took on, he brought it to perfection. Therefore, according to his loved ones, Kostiantyn's hobby and main profession was "living life." In March 2022, the man joined the defense forces and went to the front. He served in the ranks of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Yakov Handziuk. He was a radio operator in the communication platoon of the 9th battalion "Scythians." "When the war started and I was going to return to Ukraine from abroad, Kostia called, and in the background, I could hear the district military commissariat. He said: 'I'm going for my family and yours. You have to keep sitting in Denmark, because I'll need your help and support.' I listened to him and at the first opportunity I helped emotionally, morally, and with fundraising. Kostia is one of those who from the first days, field by field, landing by landing, paved the way to the liberation of Kherson. This is an achievement he was proud of. But his greatest achievement happened on February 6, 2023, when he became the father of Sofiyka, my goddaughter. When I swore before God, I didn't think I would literally be her guardian and guide in life. Kostiantyn is bright, sincere, infinitely kind and open. These qualities he used both in civilian life and in the military. He always protected the weaker ones, pitied the recruits, and never left anyone in difficult situations. He repeatedly saved the guys on the battlefield. He kept a cool mind, was balanced, but at the same time decisive. He was not afraid of either the enemy or the command. Perhaps that's why the command respected him and took into account his remarks or suggestions. I had the opportunity to communicate with his comrades-in-arms, and the parents - with the commander: everyone said that Kostiantyn is a person who is worthy of life, memory and respect, because he was incredibly dedicated to the cause. They told many stories that we didn't even know about. For them, it was an honor to serve side by side with Kostiantyn," said the defender's close friend Olha Shapoval. Kostiantyn was buried in his native village. He left behind his wife Natalia and daughter Sophia, and parents Maiia and Oleksandr. The military was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage, Third Degree. On July 2, 2024, on the defender's birthday, a memorial plaque was installed on the facade of his native school in the village of Bolhan.