Vitaliy ZHYLA

Vitaliy Anatoliyovych Zhyla was born on October 17, 1988, in the village of Synyutky, Bilohirskyi District, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. He came from a family of railway workers. In his childhood, he lived and grew up in Synyutky, loved nature, fishing, and played football with friends. He studied at Hulivetska School, after which he enrolled in the Kozyatyn Interregional Vocational Railway Transport School. There, he obtained the specialty of station attendant.

In 2007, Vitaliy completed his compulsory military service at the "Desna" training center. He diligently fulfilled his military duty, and this life experience instilled discipline and strengthened his character. After returning home, he worked as a 5th-grade locksmith for the rolling stock repair section of the auto-brake control point at the Shepetivka repair depot of the "UZ Vahon-Servis" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" starting in 2008. He dedicated 16 years to the railway.

When the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Vitaliy did not hesitate to join the ranks of defenders as part of the automotive battalion in the Zaporizhzhia direction. In 2023, he underwent training in the United Kingdom and later returned to the front lines. In January 2025, he was transferred to the separate mechanized brigade named after King Danylo as a driver. He participated in battles near the settlement of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast.

The last time Vitaliy contacted his family was on July 19, 2025. As always, to reassure them, he briefly wrote: "Everything is fine." That day, while carrying out a mission with his comrades, they were hit by enemy shelling. Since July 20, Vitaliy was considered missing in action. Unfortunately, a miracle did not happen, and on July 20, 2025, as a result of enemy FPV drone strikes while moving in a vehicle to conduct a crew change in Donetsk Oblast, Vitaliy's life was cut short.

His indomitable spirit, dedication to duty, and love for his homeland could not be broken by the brutal war, danger, or fear.

The farewell took place on September 29, 2025, in the city of Shepetivka, at Taras Shevchenko Square. Vitaliy was buried in the cemetery of his native village Synyutky in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, according to his wishes.

May the earth rest lightly upon him, and may the memory of him live in every home, on every street, in the hearts of those who knew him, and even in the hearts of those who heard of him for the first time. Eternal glory and honor to the Hero! Rest in peace, Vitaliy Anatoliyovych.