Vasyl O. Papezhuk

30-year-old senior soldier Vasyl Papizhuk was killed on October 15, 2022, while performing a combat mission near the village of Yegorivka in Donetsk region. Vasyl was from the village of Soshnyky in Rivne region. In 2011, he graduated from vocational school No. 29 in the town of Volodymyrets. He obtained the profession of an electrician for lighting and lighting networks, as well as a manual welding electric welder. During the Russo-Ukrainian war, Vasyl joined the 3rd separate special purpose regiment of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in reconnaissance. He participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) / Joint Forces Operation (JFO). He completed U.S. Special Operations courses in tactical combat casualty care, and he was appointed an honorary scout of his regiment. During the full-scale war, Vasyl continued to defend Ukraine from the occupiers as part of his unit. "A loyal friend, the best soldier, and a patriot of his state," noted his fellow villager Ruslana. "The hero bravely defended the borders of our country in the Donetsk region. Vasyl Papizhuk loved his native land above all and defended it from Russian occupiers, giving his life for the bright future of our nation! Those who were with Vasyl at the front say he was a good comrade, always ready to help, and a model of courage, bravery, and resilience," wrote on the Politska community page. "You were always so sincere and welcoming; we will miss you so much. Thank you for our lives. Forgive us for not being able to protect you. Now be an Angel Guardian for all of us. Eternal memory, Kingdom of Heaven," wrote Halyna Perekhodko. "You will always be remembered as kind and positive! Eternal peace and bright memory to the Hero!" wrote Viktoriya Bachynska. The defender was buried in the village of Polytsi in the Varash district of Rivne region. Vasyl is survived by his wife and son.