On June 12, 2025, Vitalii Vankevych gave his life for Ukraine in the war against the Russian occupiers. A native of Lviv region, he was a teacher, an athlete, and a soldier.
At just 18, Vitalii first rose to defend his homeland. In April 2014, he joined the fight in Donetsk region as part of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he once again took up arms—this time as a senior rifleman and commander of a reconnaissance platoon in the 45th Separate Artillery Brigade, with the call sign “Fizruk.”
But between combat deployments, Vitalii was someone children affectionately called “Coach.” His heart belonged to sport. In his hometown of Sheptytskyi, he taught physical education at the local gymnasium, trained a youth team at Youth Sports School No. 2, played futsal, and served as an assistant referee at regional football matches.
Colleagues knew him as a man of great heart and unwavering dedication. At Youth Sports School No. 2, they recall: “He didn’t just train young athletes—he was a true example of courage, dignity, and love for his country. We will remember Vitalii as sincere, kind, energetic, always smiling, with a spark in his eyes.”
One of Vitalii Vankevych’s dreams was to involve service members, combatants, and war veterans in sports, believing physical activity to be one of the most vital tools for both physical and mental rehabilitation. He loved team games, convinced that they fulfilled both the physical and spiritual needs of a person, shaping intellect and will.
His life was a testament to the harmony of body and spirit, strength and kindness, play and struggle. His death is yet another reminder that Ukraine pays the highest price in this war, losing its finest sons and daughters.
Eternal glory to the Hero.