Vadym V. Hotsuliak (Zholud)

Senior Soldier Vadym Hotsuliak (call sign Oak) was killed in action on March 20, 2022, while performing a combat mission in the area of Snigurivka in the Mykolaiv region. The fighter received a fatal head injury. He was 21 years old. Vadym was born in the village of Yukhymivtsi, Khmelnytskyi region. He graduated from Khmelnytskyi Higher Vocational School No. 25 and obtained the profession of electrical repairman. He loved fishing, drawing, listening to music, woodworking, and watching historical films. In July 2020, the guy signed a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Roman. He was the commander of a combat vehicle. He participated in the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas. Since the first days of the full-scale war, together with his brothers-in-arms, he defended Ukraine from Russian invaders. "Vadym was friendly, cheerful, never left anyone in trouble, never refused to help. He was the best son, I love him very much. I will always blame myself for not being able to protect him," said the mother of the deceased, Maya. The hero was buried in his native village in Khmelnytskyi region. Vadym is survived by his mother and two younger sisters. Senior Soldier Vadym Hotsuliak was posthumously awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree.