In the Velyki Mosty community, two years have passed since the day when Ukraine’s defender Vasyl Lutskiy was killed in the war. He gave his life on 7 September 2024 as a result of a mortar attack in the area of the village of Kolisnykivka in Kharkiv region.
Vasyl Lutskiy was originally from the village of Butyny. His childhood and school years passed here, as did his first steps into adult life. After leaving school, he trained as a crane operator at the Uhniv Vocational School. In 1992 he was called up for compulsory service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, served in Crimea, in Sevastopol, and held the rank of senior sergeant.
After returning from service, he worked in construction. In 2002 he started a family. Together with his wife, he raised a son and two daughters. For his loved ones, he was a mainstay and someone who took daily care of his family’s wellbeing and peace of mind.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Vasyl Lutskiy unhesitatingly stepped forward to defend the country. On 27 February 2022 he was mobilised into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he served in the 3rd Luhansk Border Detachment. He carried out the duties of a Category 2 border service inspector and mechanic-driver of the 2nd unit of the first border outpost of the first border service division of military unit 9938.
His comrades-in-arms remember Vasyl as a reliable soldier who was always where it was hardest, on the front-line positions. In one sector of the front, after the commander was wounded, it was he who took command of the battle. For six days, Lutskiy organised the actions of the personnel, repelled enemy attacks and held the position.
For his courage, bravery and combat achievements, Vasyl Lutskiy was honoured with an award from the President of Ukraine — the Order “For Courage”, 3rd Class. For his feat, he was also posthumously awarded the honorary title “Hero of the Velyki Mosty Territorial Community”.
As a result of a mortar attack on 7 September 2024 in Kharkiv region, a valiant soldier, loving husband, caring father, loyal friend and comrade-in-arms was killed. He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, brother and three sisters. For them, and for everyone who knew him, the war has changed life forever.
The Velyki Mosty community stresses that the memory of Vasyl Lutskiy, who gave his life for Ukraine, its freedom and the future of his children, will forever remain in the history of the community and in people’s hearts.