Volodymyr I. Kitaiev (Siao)

Sailor Volodymyr Kitaiev (call sign Siao) was killed on December 26, 2023, while performing his official duties near the village of Tyahynka in the Kherson region. A month earlier, on November 28, he turned 38 years old. Volodymyr was born and lived in Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region. He obtained a higher education at the Sevastopol National Technical University, specializing in "Manufacturing Engineering" and received the qualification of a mechanical engineer. In civilian life, he worked as a blacksmith at the "Tara" factory. He loved his job very much. He was interested in history and was passionate about cars. He adored traveling. During the full-scale invasion, in May 2022, the man joined the ranks of the defenders. He fought for his country as part of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy. He was the driver of the anti-tank section of the anti-tank platoon of the fire support company of the 501st Separate Battalion. "Our Vovochka is a man with a capital letter, he always tried to help everyone who needed it. He loved this life very much, had many plans and dreams. The best husband and father," said the wife of the fallen defender, Darya. The marine was buried at the Kushuhum cemetery near Zaporizhzhia. Volodymyr is survived by his mother, brother, wife, and daughter.