Vadym I. Hnatiuk (Hnat)

Lieutenant Vadym Hnatiuk (call sign Hnat) was killed on December 28, 2023 in battle with the occupiers near the city of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. The officer was 38 years old. Vadym was from the village of Rudnia, Kyiv region. He graduated from the Kyiv Academy of Municipal Management with a degree in Engineering Technologies. He worked at the company "Prestyzhtekhservis", which specializes in vehicle maintenance services. He was active in sports and life. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend his country. He held the position of platoon commander in the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade. "He loved his Ukraine, defended his family and home from the enemy. He dreamed... dreamed a lot... and taught me to dream. He loved coffee and sunrises. He led an active life. In 2019, he completed the first race of the Kyiv Veloso 100 km cycling event. And he inspired me to run my first 42 km marathon in Paris. He really wanted to teach his 3-year-old son manhood, dignity, faith, hope and love. His last message to me was on December 28, 2023 at 10:00, that he was in touch. But at 11:00 the connection was lost..." - said his friend Tamara. "Avdiivka took the commander. An officer with a capital letter, a leader who knew how to unite people around him. A man of honor and word. Vadym Hnatiuk is now forever in the ranks. Thank you for being by our side, for being in front. Eternal glory to the Hero," wrote his comrade-in-arms Natalia Turuta. The hero was buried in his native village. At home, Vadym was awaited by his mother, sister, wife and son.