"Q"

He was born on July 2, 2001, in the urban-type settlement of Ivankiv, Kyiv Oblast. At the age of 18, on July 29, 2019, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served with the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade, 13th Separate Battalion. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he defended Ukraine near the village of New York in Donetsk Oblast and helped defend Izium and Sloviansk. In June 2023, after sustaining injuries, he was transferred to the Ivankiv Guard Company. However, he did not leave service—in September 2024, he successfully passed the selection for a special-purpose active operations group. He was attached to one of the units of the International Legion under the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR of the Ministry of Defence), where he fought as a reconnaissance marksman in a special-purpose group. In November 2024, while defending a strategically important multi-storey building, he was wounded in the Toretsk area. After treatment and rehabilitation, he transferred to the special unit “AFINA.” In April 2025, he deployed with his group on rotation near Zaporizhzhia. On May 12, 2025, after the successful clearance of the settlement of Shcherbaky, Group “Q” came under massive fire involving strike and reconnaissance drones, mortars, and an SPG. As a result of wounds incompatible with life, Vitalii was killed—with a weapon in his hands and courage in his heart. Vitalii was not just a warrior. He was a man with a big heart—kind, sincere, intelligent, and always ready to help. In battle—decisive and brave; in life—a reliable friend, a loving son, and a brother. His smile and strength of spirit will stay with us forever.