Defending Ukraine from the Russian invasion, 23-year-old fighter from Kryvyi Rih, Vitalii Vlasov, gave his life. A courageous warrior, he was also a skilled athlete—multiple-time champion and prizewinner of Dnipropetrovsk regional boxing competitions.
In 2019, Vitalii began working as an electric gas welder at a specialized repair shop in a coke-chemical production facility. Despite his short tenure, he quickly proved himself to be a dedicated worker and a composed individual. Within a few months, he was drafted for mandatory service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Later, he chose to continue his service under contract.
At the time of the full-scale invasion, he was serving in the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar,” one of the first units to repel the occupiers. His final battle took place on April 23, 2022, near the village of Chervone in the Izium district of Kharkiv region. His family and loved ones learned of his death only in early May.
Vitalii is survived by his parents and his younger brother, Maksym Vlasov, a National Guard fighter who endured two years in enemy captivity before, thankfully, being freed in a prisoner exchange.
Eternal memory and honor to the Heroes who defend Ukraine!