Vasyl Naida: The Story of a Hero Who Returned from Italy to Defend Ukraine

Honoring the Hero: The Story of Vasyl Naida

Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today, we remember Vasyl Naida.

On August 15, 2023, during the evacuation of wounded comrades near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhia region, 48-year-old junior sergeant Vasyl Naida, call sign Bumer, was seriously injured. After five months of fighting for his life, Vasyl's heart stopped. This information was provided by the Chernivtsi Regional Council through 'Glavkom'.

Vasyl Dmytrovych Naida was born on March 20, 1975, in the city of Hlyboka. He graduated from Gymnasium No. 1 and the Chernivtsi Construction College. After serving in the airborne assault troops, he worked as a construction worker and played football for a local team. In 2008, he moved to Italy, where he worked until the outbreak of war.

In 2022, Vasyl joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and served in the 22nd infantry battalion. He underwent training in Poland and was transferred to the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade, where he became a commander of a mortar crew.

On August 15, 2023, during the evacuation of wounded comrades near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhia region, 48-year-old junior sergeant Vasyl Naida, call sign Bumer, was seriously injured. With a traumatic brain injury, he was in a coma. He was transferred to various hospitals, and his condition fluctuated.

Oksana, Vasyl's wife, was by his side during treatment, but after all the struggles, the warrior's heart could not withstand.

«The pain of loss will never fade... for me, he is still at war... Alive, just as cheerful, lively, compassionate, fair, and honest, for which he was respected by his comrades and friends. He is our Hero!», Oksana shared.

Vasyl Naida was buried in his hometown. He is survived by a wife and son. 'Glavkom' honors the memory of all the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. May the earth be gentle upon them, and their deeds be remembered.

In memory of Vasyl Naida, who fell in the Russian-Ukrainian war at the age of 48, at the end of 2023, people remember him as a devoted patriot and true hero. His significant contribution to defending the independence and freedom of Ukraine is unlikely to be forgotten.