Soldier Volodymyr Shenkarenko was killed on November 2, 2024, during a combat mission near the village of Antonivka in the Pokrovsk district. He was 23 years old.
Volodymyr was born in the village of Dmytrivka, Donetsk region, and lived in the village of Ocheretyne. He graduated from the local school and, in peaceful times, worked as a tractor driver. He dreamed of building a house with a large plot of land and starting his own business. He loved lively gatherings, adrenaline, spending time outdoors, and fishing.
During Russia’s full-scale invasion, in December 2022, Volodymyr joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend his homeland from the occupiers. He served in the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavria Brigade as a senior anti-tank guided missile operator. Together with his comrades, he defended his native Donetsk region, particularly in the Marinka direction.
For his honorable service, Volodymyr was awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s distinction “Golden Cross”, and posthumously received the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class.
“Vova loved to work — he was never afraid of any job. He always helped our parents and friends. He especially loved working in the fields, so he earned his tractor operator’s license and worked in agriculture. He dreamed of having a family, children, his own house, a car, and of skydiving. He had so many dreams, but didn’t have time to fulfill them… I’m proud that my brother went to defend our home so I could live in our native Donbas. I’m proud that he is a Hero,” said his sister Olena.
The paratrooper was laid to rest in his native village of Ocheretyne, Donetsk region.
He is survived by his mother, stepfather, and two sisters.
At 9:00 — a nationwide moment of silence. Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.