Volodymyr KIRHIZOV

Volodymyr Kirhizov was born in the village of Novoselivka in the Odesa region. When he was five years old, his family moved to Podilsk. He studied at the Podilsk Gymnasium named after Vitaliy Katishov and later received an education at the Odesa Vocational College of Transport Technologies, where he obtained two specialties — assistant locomotive engineer and conductor.

At the age of 19, he decided to serve his country and enlisted in the National Guard of Ukraine for mandatory military service.

Since 2018, Volodymyr worked at the Podilsk locomotive depot as an assistant locomotive engineer for electric locomotives. His experience in the railway industry was about 4 years.

On May 24, 2022, Volodymyr voluntarily declined his deferment and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In June 2024, he completed training in Odesa. In July 2024, Volodymyr was assigned to a unit in the city of Zaporizhzhia. In August 2024, while carrying out a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia region, he was wounded, but despite this, he returned to his comrades. In January 2025, Volodymyr was transferred to the position of FPV drone operator.

Senior Soldier Volodymyr Kirhizov was killed on February 18, 2025, while performing a combat mission near the village of Lukyanivske in Zaporizhzhia. He was just 5 days short of his 26th birthday.

His wife, Kateryna, wrote in a petition for posthumously awarding Volodymyr the title of Hero of Ukraine: “Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Kirhizov is a true Hero who honorably fulfilled his duty to the state. It is thanks to such young, brave warriors that Ukraine will stand strong and prevail. Heroes do not die — they live in our hearts, in our memories, in our struggle for justice.” From a young age, Volodymyr exhibited leadership qualities, being decisive and fair.

The fallen soldier is survived by his wife and young daughter, Sofia. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

The team at the Podilsk locomotive depot deeply mourns this irreparable loss. Eternal memory and honor to our colleague and Hero!