Volodymyr Sokurenko, known among his comrades as “Sokil” (Falcon), was born on 14 February 1984 in the town of Bashtanka, Mykolaiv region. From a young age, he possessed inexhaustible energy and an unwavering drive to excel. He became passionate about Greco-Roman wrestling, training under the watchful eye of Mykola Kinzersky, and in his youth, he became the Mykolaiv regional champion among juniors. Sport forged both his body and spirit, instilling discipline, resilience, and determination—qualities that would later define his path as a soldier.
In 1999, Volodymyr graduated from Bashtanka Secondary School No. 2 and then from Bashtanka Vocational School No. 9 in 2002 with a qualification as a builder. Following his military service, he worked in France installing windows, though his heart always remained in Ukraine. Upon returning home, Volodymyr became an active member of his community, helping to repair the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, even while serving on the front lines, continued to care for it—raising funds with his comrades to restore windows damaged during the fighting in Bashtanka.
When Russia launched its full-scale war, Volodymyr did not hesitate to defend his homeland. He volunteered for the 125th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving as the commander of a rifle squad in the 215th Separate Battalion.
On 27 June 2023, while carrying out a combat mission in the Liman urban community of Donetsk region, Junior Sergeant Volodymyr Sokurenko was killed during a tank attack by the Russian aggressor. For his personal courage and selfless dedication in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Volodymyr Sokurenko was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage” III degree in February 2024 and the Medal “Defender of Ukraine” in May 2024.
He is survived by his parents, his brother, and his daughter. His life remains a testament to steadfast bravery, strength of spirit, and unwavering devotion to his country and its people. Athlete, warrior, “Sokil”—forever in our hearts.
Eternal memory to the Hero!