Vladyslav O. Shmalii (Boksor)

Soldier Vladislav Shmaliy (call sign Boxer) was killed on March 2, 2023, in battle for the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region during enemy artillery shelling. The defender was 26 years old. Vladislav was born and lived in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region. He studied at the local secondary school No. 114. He was a very capable child, actively participated in school life, was kind, brave, courageous, and always helped everyone who needed it. In 2011, he entered the Automotive College of Kryvyi Rih National University. He studied "Organization of Transportation and Management in Road Transport" and obtained the qualification of a technician-technologist (mechanic). From November 2015, he worked at Promspetsbud LLC. Initially, he was a duty repairman, and later a mechanic. In 2017, he continued his studies at Kryvyi Rih National University. In his free time, he was engaged in sports, with a preference for boxing, and trained children. That's why he received such a call sign during his service. He was also passionate about poetry, composed verses, wrote and read rap. He loved to joke and was always smiling. With the beginning of the large-scale invasion, Vladislav helped the guys from the territorial defense. In August 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In September, he went to study in Britain, after which he was sent to serve in the 77th separate airmobile brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he was a squad commander. In January 2023, he went to the front. He fought in Soledar. Since February, he has been in the Bakhmut direction with an unhealed wound. Although he could have continued treatment, he said: "I have to be there, with my guys, not at home." For his service, the warrior was awarded the "Steel Cross" badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Order of Courage of the III degree (posthumously). "Sincere and devoted to the oath, Vladislav did everything possible to the last to restore peace and tranquility in his native country. He loved life with all his heart, valued the time spent with his loved ones and friends. He dreamed of a family, children, and planned to get married, but, unfortunately, the cursed war did not allow his dreams to come true. I will forever remember my son, his smile, his jokes, which I miss so much. He will always be with me as long as my heart beats," his mother Yevheniia Petrivna said. The hero was buried in the Alley of Glory of the Shyroka Dacha cemetery in Kryvyi Rih. Vladislav is survived by his mother Yevheniia Petrivna, father Serhii Oleksandrovych, and younger brother Stanislav. Vladislav was also posthumously awarded the Badge "For Merit to the City" of the III degree.