His life was filled with movement, struggle, and an unrelenting drive for victory. Vladyslav Tahaiev, call sign “Forsage,” a fighter of the special unit “Artan” under the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, fell in battle on September 5, 2024. He was 22.
Born in Nizhyn, Chernihiv region, Vladyslav was the only son raised by his mother. From an early age, he understood the meaning of strength, endurance, and determination. In peacetime, his world revolved around sports—grueling training, fierce competitions, and hard-earned medals. He mastered combat sambo, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, pankration, horting, and even Cossack dueling. A multiple-time champion and prize-winner, he never stopped pushing forward, believing that limits existed only to be broken.
At 21, Vlad made a decision that changed everything—he joined the ranks of the special forces to defend his homeland. “Mom, I can’t just sit and wait for the enemy to come to our home,” he told his mother. He was known as the ultimate soldier, the embodiment of a warrior. He took part in the most challenging operations—Kupiansk, Chasiv Yar, Lyptsi, Sumy region, and deep behind enemy lines. His bravery, sharp mind, and lightning-fast reflexes saved countless lives. He cleared minefields, provided medical aid under relentless fire, and led his comrades out of deadly ambushes. “You never had to ask him—on the contrary, we had to hold him back,” his fellow soldiers recall.
On September 5, 2024, during an operation in the Kharkiv region, Vlad fell in battle. His team had successfully completed their mission, liberating 400 hectares of Ukrainian land. As they waited for evacuation, the enemy unleashed artillery, mortars, and drones upon them. A fragment from a 120mm shell took his life.
On September 18, Nizhyn bid farewell to its Hero. In the All Saints Cathedral, those who loved him, knew him, and would remember him forever gathered to honor his memory. A petition has been submitted on the President of Ukraine’s website, calling for Vladyslav Tahaiev, call sign “Forsage,” to be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.
At the initiative of the “Artan” special unit, a documentary titled “FORSSAGE: Fast and Fierce. The Story of a Warrior” has been created, preserving the memories of his comrades. His story will live on—in hearts, in memories, in every liberated piece of land for which he gave his life.
Heroes never die! Eternal memory and glory to the Warrior!