Valerii O. Falko (Falik)

Sergeant Valeriy Falko (call sign Falik) was killed on January 28, 2023, in battle for the city of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region. During enemy shelling, he sustained fatal shrapnel wounds. The fighter was 35 years old. Valeriy was born in the village of Velyki Solontsi, Poltava region. He graduated from the Poltava Institute of Economics and Management "Svitoch" with a bachelor's degree. After his studies, he went on compulsory military service. He then worked at a meat processing plant in Kremenchuk. He got married, and the couple had a daughter, but the marriage did not work out. After the divorce, the child became his main priority. In 2014-2015, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). After demobilization, he returned to his hometown, planning to build a house, work, and raise his daughter. But in 2022, Valeriy had to put on his uniform and take up arms again. After the full-scale invasion of Russian invaders, he returned to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought as part of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, serving as a grenade launcher in the rifle company. "My brother was a very kind person. Polite, caring, positive. Despite all the difficulties in his life, he always came to help, could improve the mood, had many friends and acquaintances who loved and valued him," said the sister of the fallen Ilona Zubchenko. Valeriy was buried in his native village. He is survived by his mother Olena Viktorivna, sister Ilona, and daughter Veronika. The warrior was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage, 3rd degree.