Honoring the Memory of Vladyslav Bondarenko
Vladyslav Bondarenko, a 26-year-old Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier and squad leader of the 77th Assault Brigade, was killed on February 26, 2023. He was posthumously awarded the title 'Honorary Citizen of Irpin.' Bondarenko died while attempting to break out of encirclement near Bakhmut, when shrapnel from an enemy artillery strike severed his pulmonary artery, causing massive blood loss.
Born on February 5, 1997, in the village of Kozyntsi, Vladyslav was the ninth and youngest child in a large family. His childhood was marked by hardship: his mother died of cancer when he was just six years old, and his father also passed away. After finishing school in Kozyntsi, he studied at the Novobilytsia Construction College and later worked for a construction company doing renovation work.
Bondarenko completed his mandatory military service in an assault brigade and was called up to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in October 2022. Until early February 2023, his unit trained in Zhytomyr. He was last home on February 10, 2023. During his 14 days of service near Bakhmut, he showed courage and determination, supporting his fellow soldiers.
“Everything will be fine. I’m taking care of myself and my guys,” he told his loved ones.
His sister, Tetiana, received the death notification on February 28, 2023. It took five days to transport his body from Bakhmut to Dnipro. Vladyslav was buried in his home village, next to his parents’ graves. Only his younger siblings remain in the family; his brother Yevhen has also been diagnosed with cancer.
Vladyslav left behind memories that speak to his character: “I don’t know where we’re going, but don’t worry about me—everything will be fine.” He believed in victory, saying, “We’ll give those Russians hell! We will win! We will be free and independent!” He also stressed the importance of protecting his family: “If we men don’t defend our girls, women, and sisters, then who will?”
Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians observe a moment of silence for all those whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. This report comes from Glavcom, citing the Book of Memory of the Irpin City Territorial Community. Glavcom joins in the minute of silence to honor heroes like Vladyslav Bondarenko.
Bondarenko’s death underscores the tragic losses Ukraine endures in the war and the heroism of its soldiers defending the country. His courage and personality have become a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence. Honoring such heroes is a vital part of national memory and identity. This story also serves as a reminder of the profound grief experienced by the families of the fallen and the need to support those left behind during these difficult times.
As the conflict intensifies in Eastern Ukraine, stories of valor emerge from the front lines. For instance, a karate champion showcased extraordinary bravery by taking down multiple enemy combatants during the battle for Rubizhne. Such acts of heroism highlight the resilience and determination of Ukrainian soldiers in the face of adversity. To learn more about this remarkable incident, read about how the champion defended his territory against the occupiers here.