On the first day of Catholic Christmas, December 25, the city of Kovel in Volyn held the final farewell for fallen Ukrainian defender Volodymyr Bychyk. The 32-year-old serviceman died on December 18, 2024, in Kharkiv region while performing a combat mission near Kupiansk.
Volodymyr Bychyk was born on September 13, 1993, in Kovel. Fate tested him from early childhood — he lost his mother very early, but grew up in a family circle surrounded by the care and love of his father, sisters, brother, and new family. He studied at school №10 and acquired the profession of welder at Starovyzhivsky Professional Lyceum.
From peaceful affairs to defending Ukraine
Before the war, Volodymyr worked in construction and woodworking enterprises in his native region. Relatives remember him as a man of few words who couldn't always speak openly about feelings, but had a sincere and kind heart. He loved to travel, valued family gatherings and holidays, found joy in simple things.
In July this year, Volodymyr left peaceful affairs and was enlisted in the 14th separate mechanized brigade named after Prince Roman the Great (military unit A1008). At the front, he served as an operator of the 2nd section of electronic support of the control platoon of the radio-electronic warfare company.
Recognition of courage
At the front, Volodymyr established himself as a reliable and strong fighter, one of the best in his unit. In early December, he was awarded an internal brigade decoration for courage, heroism, and conscientious performance of combat tasks. Characteristically, he didn't tell even his relatives about the award — his father learned about it only after his son's death from the commander.
On December 18, 2025, soldier Bychyk Volodymyr Volodymyrovych died as a result of enemy shelling in the area of Kupiansk settlement, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region, while performing a combat mission.
Final farewell
"Unfortunately, today over our Kovel, not carols but the mournful melody of 'Plyve kacha' is heard," noted the Kovel City Council. Mayor Ihor Chaika expressed condolences to the family and thanked the fallen warrior: "Eternal memory to the warrior who went through a difficult life path, but at the decisive moment heroically fulfilled his duty to Ukraine without hesitation."
Volodymyr Bychyk was buried in the Heroes' Alley of the city cemetery. He left behind his father Volodymyr Mykolaiovych, wife Inna Stepanivna, sisters Natalia and Tetiana, brother Oleksandr, and other relatives and loved ones.
