On November 28, 2024, near the village of Ivano-Daryivka in the Bakhmut district of Donetsk region, Sokal resident Anatoliy Bilash tragically lost his life.
Anatoliy was born on April 26, 1970, into a family of well-known Sokal veterinarians, Sofiya and Stepan Bilash, who lived on Saint Volodymyr Street in Sokal. He had a brother, Viktor. After graduating from Sokal School No. 1, he worked in Russia by assignment, where he also completed his military service. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, he returned to his hometown at the first opportunity. Before mobilization, he worked at the “Mezhyrichanska” mine.
In his youth, Anatoliy endured significant personal loss, losing his mother Sofiya at the age of 22 and his father Stepan shortly after, leaving the brothers orphaned. Throughout their lives, the two supported each other.
Although Anatoliy did not have his own family, he devoted all his love and care to his niece Veronika and nephew Maksym, whom he cherished as his own children.
On May 20, 2024, Anatoliy was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving as a rifleman in a motorized infantry unit. He participated in assaults and combat operations in the most intense areas of eastern Ukraine. In July 2024, he was wounded, but after recovering in October, he resumed his duties and continued to serve on the frontlines.
The Sokal City Council extends heartfelt condolences to his brother Viktor, Viktor’s wife Natalia, as well as his niece Veronika, nephew Maksym, and Maksym’s wife Sofiya.
Eternal glory to the Hero!
A farewell ceremony for Anatoliy Bilash will take place on December 13 at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 14, at 12:00 p.m. in the same church.
Eternal memory to the Hero!