61-year-old Volodymyr Medynskyi, call sign “Medyk”, was killed on May 11, 2022, in Mariupol when an enemy aerial bomb hit the bunker known as “Shop 10” on the territory of the Azovstal Metallurgical Plant.
Volodymyr was born on September 30, 1960. He studied at a school in the village of Talakivka, Mariupol district. From childhood he practiced boxing and became a Candidate for Master of Sports. After finishing school, he completed his compulsory military service. Later he moved to Mariupol, went into business, and became a co-founder of a clothing market. He continued training and coached children at a sports club.
“He was a cheerful, open person, loved joking. He adored boxing,” his son Valerii recalls.
In 2015, Volodymyr stood up to defend the state by joining the Azov Regiment. He served in the first company of the 2nd battalion as a gunner-operator of an anti-aircraft installation. In 2020, he was discharged due to age, but he did not leave Azov — he continued teaching boxing to servicemen of his home unit.
“Volodymyr was a man of honest principles. Decent, courageous, with true masculine endurance. Everything in his affairs, life, and daily routine was always in perfect order. He was a great example for Azov’s youth in sports. He raised the spirits of young fighters, always encouraged them and said they could do more — the main thing is to believe in yourself and not stop, to keep training no matter what. Because their strength lies in spirit and faith,” said a comrade with the call sign “Tsar.”
Volodymyr was a person with whom one could discuss any topic. Every morning he went for a run, took a cold shower, and then went about his business. He had many friends — mostly from the world of sports, to which he devoted most of his life.
“He was a wonderful coach! A true authority for young people. He always knew how to find the right words and lift spirits with his stories,” said a comrade with the call sign “Khaba.”
“A great man. I constantly went to boxing training with him. We ran together in the mornings and trained together in the evenings,” added a comrade with the call sign “Kombat.”
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, “Medyk” once again took up arms. He met his son only once, in March 2022. At that time, Volodymyr was awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd class — but he never lived to receive the award.
As of December 2025, the defender’s body has not been found and he has not been buried.
Volodymyr is survived by his son and his brothers-in-arms.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide moment of silence.
The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor fallen defenders from Donetsk region.