Volodymyr M. Hnatenko (Nimets)

Soldier Volodymyr Hnatenko (call sign German) was killed on July 30, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Vilkhivka in the Donetsk region. He was 48 years old. Volodymyr was born in Odesa. He graduated from secondary school No. 15 there. He lived in the village of Petrovirivka, Odesa region. In civilian life, he worked as a painter, plasterer, and tiler. He was passionate about numismatics: he collected coins from different countries around the world. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man fought for his country in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 801st separate unit for combating underwater sabotage forces and means of the Navy. On March 29, 2023, Volodymyr was awarded the honorary distinction of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the "Golden Cross". "My brother has been defending our Motherland since the first days of the war. He was a courageous fighter, the best friend for his comrades-in-arms, a good father for his daughter, the best son and a wonderful brother!" said Diana Hnatenko. "My father was a true patriot, an example of indomitability and strength of spirit, who defended the independence of our state. His comrades-in-arms spoke of him as a man of his word, a courageous person who would never abandon someone in trouble," wrote Ruslana Hnatenko. The defender was buried in the village of Male, Odesa region. At home, Volodymyr was awaited by his mother, daughter, relatives, and friends.