Defender Vadym Hlushchenko, call sign "Kurt," was killed on October 13, 2023, during a missile strike on the headquarters of the Volunteer Territorial Defense Formation (DFTG), which was based in the Center for Creativity and Leisure of the Pokrovsk City Council Education Department in the Donetsk region. He was 62 years old.
Vadym was born in the town of Bilytske and lived in the village of Hnativka. He graduated from the Donetsk Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mining engineering and worked at coal mines across the Donetsk region. His last position was as a site manager at the Mine Construction Company LLC. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and family road trips.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, on March 1, 2022, he signed a contract and joined the Pokrovsk-1 Volunteer Territorial Defense Formation, where he served as Chief of Staff.
"He was the best husband and father. He was a man full of energy who inspired everyone around him with his positivity and kindness. He was compassionate and always willing to help others. He preferred to solve every problem on his own, without asking for assistance. He is our Hero!" his wife, Olena, recalled.
For his service, Vadym was awarded the "For Dignity and Patriotism" distinction, the "For the Defense of the Homeland" medal, and, posthumously, the Badge of Honor.
The defender was laid to rest at the Alley of Glory in the city of Pokrovsk.
Vadym is survived by his wife and three daughters.
At 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes the National Minute of Silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration, together with the Memorial of Heroes platform, honors the fallen defenders from the Donetsk region.