On Ukraine’s State Flag Day, sorrowful news reached the Sokal district — two brave defenders, Vadym Rudnichenko from the village of Potorytsia and Bohdan Plakhtyna from the city of Sokal, died in a military hospital after dedicated service on the front lines.
Vadym Rudnichenko: A Life Devoted to Ukraine
Vadym Leonidovych Rudnichenko, born on October 8, 1969, in Moldova, spent his childhood and youth there. In 1994, he married Olena, and together they raised two sons — Yurii and Oleksandr. For most of his life, he worked as a long-haul truck driver, and was known as a caring husband and loving father.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Vadym returned from abroad, where he had been working, and volunteered for military service. For three and a half years, he served faithfully as a sapper, participating in high-risk missions in conflict zones such as Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions.
He was an active combat participant and received several honors:
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In 2023 — the “For Demining” award
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In 2024 — the Cross of the State Special Transport Service from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense
His heart stopped on August 21, 2025, in a military hospital in the Chernihiv region. Doctors fought for his life for three days, but their efforts were in vain.
Vadym leaves behind his wife Olena, sons Yurii and Oleksandr with their families, mother Mariia, and sister Olena. His courage, honesty, and love for Ukraine will never be forgotten.
Bohdan Plakhtyna: Loyal Friend and Defender
That same day, another loss struck Sokal — 39-year-old Bohdan Plakhtyna, born on March 17, 1986, died in a military hospital.
Bohdan studied at Sokal Secondary School No. 2. Friends and family remember him as kind-hearted, sincere, open, and always dependable.
With the onset of the war, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in the 58th Brigade, military unit A-1376, on the Kharkiv front line. He was a trusted comrade to his fellow soldiers.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, brother, and two aunts. His passing is a great loss to both his family and his military brothers.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen Heroes. Ukraine has lost brave and loyal sons. Their memory will live on forever.
🕯️ Eternal memory to the Heroes.