Soldier Vitalii Talan, call sign “Died,” passed away on January 4, 2025, in the city of Derhachi, Kharkiv Oblast, while serving — his heart stopped. He was 58 years old.
Vitalii was born on October 29, 1966, in Horlivka. He lived in the city of Khorol in Poltava region. He earned a degree in electromechanics from a local professional college. Almost his entire life was spent behind the wheel — he worked as a driver, delivering food products across cities in Ukraine. He loved animals and spending time outdoors, was passionate about fishing, and enjoyed cooking. He gladly welcomed guests into his home and cherished time with his family and grandson.
On the first day of the full-scale war, Vitalii voluntarily went to the enlistment office and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as a crew member of the 1st Motorized Infantry Squad, 3rd Motorized Infantry Platoon, 1st Motorized Infantry Company of the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi. For his service, he was awarded the “Veteran of War” badge.
“We miss our grandfather Vitalii very much. We lack his positivity, sincere smile, warmth in his eyes, and simple conversations. On the first day of the war, he said: ‘I will go as a volunteer to the enlistment office, because who will defend our country if not us?’ He was 56 — an age when he should have been babysitting his grandson, not standing in cold trenches. We thank him for his strength, courage, and protection. It is painful to realize that he is no longer with us; we still cannot believe it. We will forever love and remember our defender,” his family said.
Vitalii Talan was laid to rest in Khorol, Poltava region.
He is survived by his son Maksym, daughter-in-law Yuliia, and grandson Artem.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial of Heroes honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.