On June 20, 2025, Senior Soldier Vitalii Dodiuk, a reconnaissance sniper of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was killed in action while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Novyi Myr in the Izium district of Kharkiv region. A sportsman, a defender, a hero — he was only 33 years old.
Vitalii was born on March 23, 1992, in the village of Kryvorivnia, Ivano-Frankivsk region. This is where he spent his childhood and youth. It was here, in the heart of the Carpathians, that his character was forged — determined, honest, and kind.
His coach, Vasyl Prokopiuk, recalls: “He lost his father at a very young age, and sport became his anchor. He began training at the age of five and was already jumping from the ski ramp by seven. Vitalii was incredibly hardworking, strong, and, at the same time, so fearless. He loved risk and never compromised in sport.”
Vitalii rose to the highest ranks in ski jumping: he was a two-time participant in the World University Games, a national team champion, and a national youth champion and medalist. He earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sport.
After finishing school, he entered the Ivano-Frankivsk College of Physical Education and later continued his studies at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. He worked as a coach at a sports school, passing on his knowledge and experience to young athletes.
In 2016, Vitalii became a father — his son, Makar, was born. His family was his greatest treasure. He was caring and responsible — supporting his mother Olha, his grandmother Kateryna, and always helping his loved ones.
Following the full-scale invasion, Vitalii voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On November 29, 2022, he was assigned to the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. He served in a reconnaissance unit as a sniper. Thanks to his physical strength, athletic endurance, discipline, and quick decision-making, he became one of the unit’s key fighters. He repeatedly carried out complex missions in the most dangerous sectors of the front. He was killed in action during a combat mission on the Izium front.
Vitalii’s element was sport — and later, the defense of his homeland. As Coach Prokopiuk said, sport had prepared him for war:
“He told me himself, when he came back from the front: there were moments when, if it weren’t for my athletic training, I definitely wouldn’t have survived. Sport strengthens both body and spirit.”
But it was not to be — the Hero returned home on his shield.
Following Vitalii Dodiuk’s death, June 25, 2025, was declared a day of mourning in the Verkhovyna district. As a sign of respect, state flags on public buildings, businesses, and institutions were lowered and adorned with black ribbons. Vitalii was laid to rest with full military honors in his native village of Kryvorivnia.
The name of Vitalii Dodiuk will forever remain in the memory of his community, his fellow soldiers, the athletic world, and all Ukrainians.
Eternal glory to the Hero.