Vladyslav V. Kozhumiaka (Nykyta)

21-year-old soldier Vladyslav Kozhum'yaka (call sign Nykyta) was killed on April 17, 2023, defending his native Luhansk region from Russian occupiers. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained fatal injuries during enemy artillery shelling. Vladyslav was born in Lysychansk, Luhansk region. He graduated from the Lysychansk Professional Pedagogical College of the Taras Shevchenko National University with a degree in Journalism. He found his beloved and dreamed of having his own family. He had many plans for his life. During the full-scale war, the young man became a serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine. He held the position of a rifleman in the 15th separate Sloviansk regiment. He very much wanted to liberate his native Luhansk region and Ukraine from the Russian occupiers, to live freely and peacefully. "Vladyslav signed a contract immediately after completing his conscript service. He bravely stood up to defend the country at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. His comrades-in-arms noted that he was a true warrior, a man of his word, courage, and an example of a strong spirit, he sacrificed himself not only for Ukraine's victory, but also for the freedom of the people of the free world. I am proud of him, his indomitability and patriotism, and I believe that Vladyslav Kozhum'yaka is a true hero who deserves the title of 'Hero of Ukraine'. Eternal memory to all who gave their lives for the independence of our state!" - said the deceased's beloved Alla. The young warrior was buried at the Krasnopilskyi cemetery in Dnipro. Vladyslav is survived by his parents and fiancée.