"MOROZ"

Vadym was born in the village of Verbivka, Kharkiv Oblast. He graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University and flew the Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, Vadym was among the first to take his Su-25 into the air and begin combat sorties. He struck enemy vehicle columns, bridges, crossings, and other targets, helping slow the advance of the occupying forces. On 3 March 2022, during a combat mission, his aircraft was hit by a Russian missile near the village of Novooleksandrivka, Mykolaiv Oblast. The pilot steered the burning aircraft away from residential buildings, saving civilians, and was killed. He was 26 years old. Vadym is survived by his parents and his younger brother Maksym. Awards and distinctions: ⭐ Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star (posthumously, 2025) 🎖 Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd Class (posthumously, 2022) ✚ Combatant’s Cross of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (posthumously) 🛡 Honorary Badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “For Achievements in Military Service,” 2nd Class 🏅 Honorary Badge “War Veteran — Combatant” 🛡 Presidential Distinction “For the Defense of Ukraine” 🏙 Honorary Distinction “For the Defense of Mykolaiv”