Volodymyr OKUNENKO

Volodymyr was born in the village of Pantaivka and grew up in the village of Dykivka in the Kirovohrad region. He received training as a locksmith for the repair of rolling stock. He worked on the railway as an assistant locomotive driver (previously as a locksmith and crane operator) at the Znamyanka Locomotive Depot.

In March 2022, despite being reserved, he voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 4th Separate Tank Battalion of the Reserve, participating in the liberation of Balakliia and Izium. He was killed while loading damaged equipment for repair with his comrades.

Volodymyr was brave, had an active life stance, and was a kind and hardworking man. He dreamed of Victory and relaxing by the sea with his family, as well as planning a future with his beloved wife. His wife Daria recalls that they officially married in May 2022, after he had already gone to war.

The life of 30-year-old Volodymyr Okunenko was cut short by an enemy missile on September 26, 2022, in the city of Pervomaisk in the Kharkiv region while he was carrying out a combat mission.

Volodymyr is survived by his wife Daria and son Matviy.

The team at the Znamyanka Locomotive Depot of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" mourns the memory of their colleague with indescribable pain. The assistant locomotive driver, who voluntarily went to the front despite being reserved, and participated in the liberation of Slobozhanshchyna, tragically lost his life to an enemy missile. His bravery, active stance, and unfulfilled dreams of family happiness are an everlasting sorrow for the entire railway family. Eternal memory to the Hero!