A year has passed since 17 June 2025, when two defenders from Truskavets — Vasyl Herych and Andriy Dobronovskyi — were killed in Donetsk region. Both fell in the line of duty while defending Ukraine.
Vasyl Petrovych Herych was born on 25 July 1988 in the village of Maidan, Drohobych district, Lviv region. He was the eldest child in a large family, with a brother and three sisters. He attended primary school in his native village and later the Rybnytsia General Secondary Educational Institution of I–II degrees. Vasyl took an active part in school and cultural life, and was sociable and proactive.
In 2005 he completed the 11th form at Boryslav Sanatorium School and entered Vocational College No. 19 in Drohobych, where he trained as a barman and waiter. He worked in his profession in Skhidnytsia, where colleagues noted his integrity and diligence. In 2007 he was called up for compulsory military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After completing his service in 2008, he returned home with the rank of senior soldier and commander of an air defence platoon.
In 2009 Vasyl married Ivanna, and the couple are raising their daughter Karolina, who is now 13. With the start of the full-scale invasion he voluntarily stepped forward to defend the country. From 10 March 2022 he served as a driver and electrician in the 1st Engineer Battalion of the 703rd Separate Support Brigade of the Engineering Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On 17 June 2025, at the age of 36, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Razine, close to Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Vasyl Herych sustained severe wounds and died. He was laid to rest in his native Maidan after a farewell service at St Nicholas Church in Truskavets. On the Heroes Memorial on the website of Truskavets City Council, the memories of his wife and brother about the fallen soldier are preserved.
Andriy Volodymyrovych Dobronovskyi was born on 22 February 1994 in Truskavets. He was his mother's only son, whom she raised on her own. After graduating from Secondary School No. 3, he qualified as a car mechanic and worked for the State Emergency Service in a mine rescue unit. He lived in Truskavets with his wife and children.
Andriy Dobronovskyi was called up for military service on 20 April 2024 by the Zolochiv District Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centre. In the army he had the callsign "Dobryi" ("Kind") — both a play on his surname and a reflection of his character, as he was friendly and cheerful. He served as assistant grenadier in the 2nd squad of the 3rd rifle platoon of the rifle company of the 5th rifle battalion of military unit 3002.
On 17 June 2025, Andriy Dobronovskyi was killed while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Hrodivka in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region. He was 31. For some time the soldier was listed as missing in action, but later forensic examination confirmed his death. Andriy's funeral took place on 4 April 2026.
The memory of Vasyl Herych and Andriy Dobronovskyi is cherished by their families, comrades-in-arms, friends, classmates and the residents of Truskavets. Both soldiers will forever be honoured as fallen defenders of Ukraine.
Eternal, blessed memory to all who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.