Volodymyr I. Lepa

Soldier Volodymyr Lepa was killed on September 10, 2022, during assault operations near the village of Male Vesele in the Kharkiv region. The defender was 46 years old. Volodymyr was born and lived in the village of Rudnya in the Volyn region. He graduated from Rozhyshchenska Secondary School No. 3. He then entered the Rozhyshchensky Zoo-Veterinary College, where he stu for only a year, realizing that this profession was not for him. He completed his mandatory military service. After demobilization, he worked abroad and later was employed at the Rudnyanska Village Council, and in the companies "HADIA STIL COMPANY" and "Kromberg and Schubert." On the second day of the full-scale invasion, February 25, 2022, Volodymyr went to the military enlistment office to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He later became a rifleman in the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Roman the Great and went to the front lines. The day before his death, Volodymyr called all his relatives, as if he sensed something. He talked about plans for the future and returning to civilian life. But that was not meant to happen. "Our fellow countryman was a brave and responsible soldier, who courageously followed the orders of his commander and faithfully served the people of Ukraine. Unfortunately, he has gone to eternity... He left as all true Warriors do — in fierce battle with the occupiers. This is an irreparable loss for his family, comrades, fellow villagers, and our entire community. In this difficult time, we express our sincere condolences to the warrior's family and loved ones, share your pain, and bow our heads in deep sorrow," stated the Rozhyshchenska Village Council. The defender was buried in his native village. Volodymyr is survived by his parents, brother, and nephews. Posthumously, soldier Volodymyr Lepa was awarded the Order of "For Courage" of the III degree.