The Sokal community is once again facing a painful loss. While carrying out a combat mission to repel Russia’s armed aggression in the Donetsk region, Volodymyr Vasylovych Futysh, a native of Savchyn village, a combat veteran, an inspector of the border service of the 3rd Luhansk Border Detachment, and a senior soldier, was killed defending Ukraine’s freedom and independence.
For nearly two years he was officially considered missing in action. Only later did DNA testing confirm his death, ending a long and agonizing period of uncertainty for his family and loved ones.
Volodymyr Futysh was born on March 16, 1978, in Savchyn. He completed his basic secondary education at the local school, then served in the army and worked in civilian life.
His path as a defender began during the ATO period: on March 11, 2015, he was called up for service and served in the Ground Forces of Operational Command “West.” He carried out missions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, directly in the combat zone. In April 2016, he received official combat veteran status.
From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he volunteered to return to service. On February 26, 2022, he walked from Savchyn to Sokal to report to the enlistment office and join the defense of the country.
He later underwent training at the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as an operator of man-portable air defense missile systems and graduated with honors.
He served in the Luhansk Border Detachment named after Hero of Ukraine Yevhenii Pikus as a 3rd category border service inspector at an air-defense missile outpost within the 2nd rapid response border commandant’s office. During service, he was deployed to multiple hotspots, including Sloviansk, Klishchiivka, and Ivanivske, among others.
Key facts about his final mission
- The final combat operations took place in Ivanivske, on the main road toward Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.
- The period of fighting: February 19–24, 2024.
- From February 24, 2024, he was listed as missing in action.
- Later, DNA testing confirmed that he had been killed.
His family and friends continued searching and hoping for news, believing he would return. The tragedy is deepened by the fact that his mother passed away six months ago, still holding onto hope that she would see her son again.
Volodymyr remained faithful to his oath and to the Ukrainian people until his last breath, giving his life so others could live in a free country. His sacrifice will be remembered as a powerful example of courage, resilience, honor, and selflessness.
Eternal memory to the Hero.