On Monday, April 15, the city of Lviv will pay tribute to two Ukrainian defenders — Vitalii Sokur and Oleh Dmytryk — who gave their lives protecting their homeland from Russian aggression. The city authorities urge residents and visitors to attend the farewell ceremonies and refrain from celebrations or entertainment on this solemn day.
Farewell to Vitalii Sokur
The funeral service for Vitalii Sokur will begin at 11:00 at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. A public farewell ceremony will follow at 11:30 on Rynok Square. He will be buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery.
Farewell to Oleh Dmytryk
The funeral for Oleh Dmytryk will be held at 12:00 at the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God UGCC in the village of Malechiv. He will be laid to rest at the local cemetery.
Who Are the Heroes Lviv is Saying Goodbye To?
Oleh Dmytryk (Nov 19, 1971 – Mar 1, 2025)
Born in Lviv, Oleh Dmytryk attended local secondary school and graduated from Vocational Technical School No. 26 (now the Lviv Higher Vocational School of Information and Computer Technologies). He later served in the infantry.
He worked as an auto mechanic, known for his skill and dedication. Fishing and cars were his passions. He was a kind and calm person.
Following the full-scale Russian invasion, he joined the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. He served in combat missions in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Vitalii Sokur (July 14, 1978 – April 9, 2025)
A graduate of Lviv Secondary School No. 48, Vitalii served his military duty in Bila Tserkva, earning the rank of “chief sergeant.” He later obtained a degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship from Zakarpattia State University.
From 1999 to 2006, he worked at “Khomyak” private enterprise, progressing from mechanic to head of a network of auto service stations. From 2010 to 2019, he was employed at LLC “Arkan”, and later focused on developing a family logistics business.
Remembered as a responsible, brave, and honest man, he was passionate about motorcycle travel and was a true workaholic.
He voluntarily joined the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the start of the invasion. He fought in Donetsk and took part in liberating Kherson region. For his bravery, he received multiple awards, including the Commander-in-Chief’s “Golden Cross” and a personalized weapon.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, mother, and brother.