Biography

Volodymyr Anatoliiovych Trusov was born on February 25, 1993, in the village of Hrynky, Poltava region. From the age of eleven, he trained in freestyle wrestling, becoming a regional champion and a prize-winner at national competitions. In 2009, he moved to Kremenchuk to study at the local military lyceum, and later entered the National Academy of Land Forces named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi. There he specialized in the management of airborne and reconnaissance units and distinguished himself as a champion in arm wrestling.

After graduating in 2015, Volodymyr was appointed commander of a parachute platoon in the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade. Within months, he became deputy company commander, and by 2018 he was leading a sniper company. That same year, he completed his studies at Kremenchuk National University, earning a master’s degree in automotive transport.

Over six years of service, he fought in the Donbas during the Anti-Terrorist Operation and Joint Forces Operation, participating in battles near Marinka, Avdiivka, Zaitseve, Butivka mine, Stanytsia Luhanska, and Shchastia. His professionalism and bravery earned him multiple distinctions, including the “Cossack Cross” 3rd Class.

In February 2021, Volodymyr was discharged with the rank of captain, but when Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, he immediately returned to service. He signed a contract with the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade, taking the position of deputy company commander and instructor in airborne training. His comrades knew him by the call sign “Topol” (Poplar), a name that reflected his strength and resilience.

On March 22, 2022, during combat near the village of Malynivka in Zaporizhzhia region, Volodymyr was killed in an enemy mortar strike.

For his courage and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd Class, and promoted to the rank of major.

Volodymyr Trusov was buried in his native village of Hrynky, Poltava region.

His legacy lives on not only in the memory of his family and comrades but also in the city of Kremenchuk, where Matrosova Street was renamed in his honor. His life stands as a testament to dedication, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to Ukraine.