Today marks three years since the Velyki Mostyscha community lost its Defender — Volodymyr Pentsak.
Volodymyr Vasylovych was born on January 31, 1994, in the village of Kupychvolja. He received education at the Lviv Vocational School of Computer Technologies and Construction, where he trained as a plasterer-painter. In 2016, he began serving in the border troops in the city of Velyki Mosty, where he took an oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people.
Two years later, Volodymyr signed a contract with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and worked as a dog handler at the Cynological Training Center. After completing his service, he got married and moved abroad. However, in 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, he voluntarily returned to Ukraine to defend his land.
Senior Sergeant Volodymyr Pentsak served with the 115th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He participated in battles for Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Opytne. On November 3, 2022, during a combat mission near Donetsk airport, Volodymyr was killed under enemy fire. He was long considered missing, but only in March 2024, his body was recovered and buried with honors.
Volodymyr is survived by his wife Roksolana, young daughter Kvitoslava, sister Nadia, and nephews. For personal courage and heroism, by the decree of the President of Ukraine No. 455 dated July 5, 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Order of “For Courage”, III degree. Eternal memory and respect to our Hero!