Volodymyr V. Lavreniuk (Barni)

25-year-old Lieutenant Volodymyr Lavreniuk (call sign Barnie) was killed on December 31, 2022 in a battle with Russian invaders near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. Under powerful enemy fire, the officer made the decision to withdraw the personnel, thereby saving the lives of 80 comrades. Volodymyr was born in the village of Pustelnyky, Zhytomyr region. He graduated with honors from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University. Sports became his main passion in life. He was a candidate for the title of Master of Sports in sports tourism. With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Volodymyr joined the Zhytomyr Territorial Defense. Later, he became a fighter of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 517th separate motorized infantry battalion "Poliska Sich". At first, he commanded a platoon, and then a company. He took part in battles in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. "I miss you so much. How I love you. Bright memory, my Hero!" wrote the officer's beloved Oksana. "I never thought that 12 years ago I would meet a brave Warrior. There are simply no words... This damned war takes the best. He is one of the best heroes. I want people to know at what a terrible price the freedom of our country is won! He was a kind and bright person. Thank you for everything, Vovchyk! Heroes, unfortunately, die," said the deceased's acquaintance Karyna. "The war takes the best. Again a loss, pain and unspeakable sadness. Eternal memory and deep bow. Rest in peace, our Hero..." said Zhytomyr University. "Heavenly Kingdom to you, Hero. You will forever remain a kind and bright person for everyone... It's just impossible to believe that you are no longer there... You will always be in our hearts. Eternal and bright memory!" wrote Viktoriia Matvieieva. Volodymyr was buried in his native village. He left behind his parents and a beloved girlfriend.