Vitalii V. Morozov (Batia, Bizon)

Captain Vitaliy Morozov (call sign Batya, Bizon) killed in action on March 7, 2022, defending Kyiv region from Russian occupiers. During a mortar attack in the area of ​​the village of Hostomel, he received fatal injuries. The officer was 32 years old. Vitaliy was born in the city of Andrushevka, Zhytomyr region. After graduating from school, he entered the Zhytomyr Agrotechnical College, which he graduated with honors in 2010 and received the profession of electrician technician. In 2010-2011, he served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2011, he entered the Zhytomyr Military Institute named after S.P. Korolyov of the National Aviation University for training. After graduation in 2016, he was sent for service to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In 2018, he was transferred to his native Zhytomyr Military Institute as a course officer of the training course. In 2020, he was appointed head of the training course. Throughout his life, the man was fond of sports. During his school years, he was engaged in athletics, wrestling, football. Later, he became interested in kettlebell lifting and received the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine. During his service in officer positions, he continued to engage in kettlebell lifting and participated in competitions of various levels. He repeatedly became the winner and prize-winner of international and all-Ukrainian competitions. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Vitaliy, as part of a consolidated rifle battalion, took part in the defense of Kyiv region from the occupiers. "In honor of his brother, a children's sports school named after Vitaliy Morozov was opened. A documentary film "Krugi. Hostomel Rubizh" was made about their defense. There was also an exhibition that traveled around Europe in honor of the fallen masters of sports," said Tetiana Masik, the sister of the deceased. Vitaliy was buried in his hometown. He is survived by his parents, daughter, sister, and nephew. Posthumously, officer Vitaliy Morozov was awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree.