Serhiy Fedkiv's Death
Serhiy Fedkiv, a serviceman and former Ukrainian boxing champion, lost his life on May 11, 2025, in the Zaporizhzhia region. His passing has left a profound void among his family, friends, and the nation. Born on June 20, 1989, in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Fedkiv was not only a soldier but also a gifted athlete who became the boxing champion of Ivano-Frankivsk region and competed in national Ukrainian championships.
In 2013, Fedkiv and his brother Vasyl returned from working in Poland due to the Euromaidan events. By 2014, both brothers had volunteered for the 'Right Sector' Ukrainian Volunteer Corps. Between 2016 and 2019, they took part in combat operations in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Following the full-scale war's outbreak on February 24, 2022, Fedkiv joined the 79th Battalion of the 102nd Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, named after Colonel Dmytro Vitovsky.
Circumstances of His Death
Fedkiv died during the night of May 11, 2025, in the village of Malynivka, Polohy district, with the time of death recorded at 4:11 AM. After his death, his comrades recovered his body, reflecting the deep respect they held for him. He was buried on May 15, 2025, at the Alley of Glory in Kalush. Fedkiv was awarded medals including 'For the Defense of the Motherland,' 'For Service to the State,' and 'For Wounds Sustained.'
In his memory, an interactive memorial plaque was unveiled on the facade of Kalush Lyceum No. 10 on April 24. Additionally, a petition to award him the title of Hero of Ukraine has gathered 25,000 signatures and is currently under review by the president.
Mykola Fedkiv: 'The most precious thing for parents is their child, their own flesh and blood. I blame myself for not being able to protect him.'
Mykola Fedkiv also described the circumstances of his son's death: 'The assault team left at 2:30 AM to retrieve the dead and wounded soldiers. One stepped on a mine, so the evacuation group went to help. Serhiy was the senior officer there.' Mykola Fedkiv felt guilt over his inability to save his son: 'They didn't tell me the truth over the radio right away. Perhaps they were afraid to break the news to me.'
Serhiy Fedkiv's legacy lives on not only in the hearts of his loved ones but also within a community that honors heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine. Every day at 9 AM, Ukrainians pay tribute to all those whose lives have been taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today, we remember Serhiy Fedkiv.
Fedkiv's death underscores the immense cost Ukrainians bear in their fight for independence and territorial integrity. His contributions to defending the homeland and his active civic engagement serve as a model of dedication and heroism, inspiring others. The memory of heroes like Serhiy continues to endure in the hearts of Ukrainians, who daily honor their sacrifices in the struggle for peace and freedom. Commemorative events and petitions reflect society's deep respect for those who gave their lives for others.
Fedkiv's tragic passing is not an isolated incident in the ongoing conflict, as many brave soldiers continue to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Recently, another hero, Serhii Lazarenko, was killed near Huliaipole, highlighting the relentless challenges faced by Ukrainian servicemen on the front lines. Understanding their stories helps shed light on the profound impact of this war on families and communities across Ukraine.