Biography

Vasyl Myroslavovych Hrytsiuk was born on January 4, 2001, in the village of Bodnariv, Ivano-Frankivsk region. From a young age, he was active, cheerful, and full of energy, always at the center of attention among friends. He loved football, traveling, and participating in community life, including local traditions such as caroling with the village men’s group. His youth was filled with movement, hobbies, and adventures. After finishing school, Vasyl studied at the Ivano-Frankivsk Higher Vocational School No. 13, where he trained as a mechanic and auto locksmith. Teachers remembered him as a bright and kind student who dreamed of a happy future.

After graduation, Vasyl worked abroad with friends, specializing in facade construction. Yet when Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, he made the decision to return from Estonia to defend his homeland. Initially, he was refused enlistment due to his age, but he persisted. On June 27, 2022, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was sent to military training in the United Kingdom. Upon returning, he joined the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, where he served with courage and determination. His comrades gave him the call sign “Anglichan,” reflecting his training abroad.

Vasyl fought in some of the most difficult battles in Donetsk region, including near Bakhmut and Yakovlivka. On December 2, 2022, he saved a fellow soldier during an artillery strike, sustaining a leg wound himself. After treatment and a brief leave, he returned to the front. On January 4, 2023, he celebrated his 22nd birthday with family and friends, his first time home since joining the army. Days later, he returned to combat. On January 17, 2023, during a mission near the village of Rozdolivka in Donetsk region, Vasyl was killed in battle. He was only 22 years old.

Vasyl Hrytsiuk was laid to rest in his native village of Bodnariv.

His memory lives on as that of a brave young man who chose to defend his country with sincerity and courage, and will never fade from the hearts of everyone who knew him and fought alongside him. He is remembered as a loyal friend, a devoted son, and a fearless defender.