Vadym V. Kovalchuk (Nato)

28-year-old gunner Vadym Kovalchuk (Nato call sign) was killed on January 30, 2024 from shrapnel wounds while performing a combat mission near the village of Novodarivka, Zaporizhzhia region. Vadym was born in the village of Butsyn in Volyn. He studied in the local school from grades 1 to 3, and in school No. 2 in Kovel from grades 4 to 9. He had an excellent ear for music, studied at the art school, and played the accordion. At the Kovel Vocational Lyceum, he obtained the qualifications of a turner and miller. His last job was as a sales representative at the private enterprise "Yukon Company". During the full-scale war, he defended his homeland as part of the 417th separate rifle battalion, serving as a gunner in the 1st machine gun section of the machine gun platoon. In August 2023, he joined the 33rd separate mechanized brigade. "Vadym was a loving husband, the best dad, a good son and brother, a kind friend and wonderful colleague. For his family, he was a pillar and strength. In our memory, he will forever remain kind, sincere and positive, the soul of the company. Always ready to help, he disliked hypocrisy, was never deceitful, and was honest with himself and those around him. He left many bright and warm memories of himself. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he volunteered to help internally displaced persons. In February 2023, after receiving the summons, he took up the defense of our state. His bright image, warmth and kindness will forever remain with us," said the wife of the fallen Polina. The defender was buried on the Alley of Heroes of the Kovel City Cemetery. Vadym is survived by his parents Natalia Volodymyrivna and Vasyl Osypovych, wife Polina, daughter Uliana and son Oleksandr, older sister Mariia with her husband Serhii, nieces Sofia and Alina, and grandmother Hanna Ivanivna.