Today the community gathered to honor the memory of Defender Viktor Mykolayovych Soltykov.
With bowed heads, flowers, and tears in their eyes, people came out to pay their last respects to the one who gave the most precious thing — his life for Ukraine. It was a quiet, heavy moment; all thoughts and prayers were with the family. No words can ease this loss.
Today Viktor Mykolayovych returned home on his shield, returned as a Hero, who will always be remembered. His path is a path of honor, courage, and love for the Motherland. Today his children are by his side. The hands of his son are tightly holding the portrait of his father, as if afraid to let go for the last time.
The trembling hands of his daughters hold fresh flowers — as fresh as the love that will never fade away. In their eyes is a pain that cannot be measured with words. “Dad, we need you so much… Dad, why you?..” — these words are voiced silently, yet they tear the heart. The tears of his children fall on the flag that covers the coffin, and at this moment all of Ukraine cries with them.
The Hero’s comrades arrived with him. Those with whom he stood shoulder to shoulder in battle, sharing trenches, danger, and hope. They brought fresh flowers to the Hero and quietly said: “Finally you are home…” Two years of uncertainty gave them no peace — a year of waiting, pain, and faith. They searched, waited, and did not want to come to terms with the silence.
The yellow flowers in the hands of comrades and the blue sky overhead became a silent symbol of Ukraine, for which he fought. In this moment, there was everything: the pain of loss, brotherhood, loyalty, and immense gratitude.
Eternal memory and deep bow to the Defender. Glory to the Hero of Ukraine. We remember. We are grateful. We will not forget.