On February 24, 2022, he met the enemy in battle near Horlivka. Let us remember Vasyl Klekach.

Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today we remember Vasyl Klekach.

On February 14, 2025, while defending his homeland from the enemy, the brave warrior, Sergeant Vasyl Stepanovych Klekach, was killed. This is reported by 'Glavkom' referring to the Shepetivka City Council.

Vasyl Klekach was born on November 7, 1966, in the picturesque village of Mushanytsia in the Ostroh district of Rivne region, in the family of Nadiya Mykolaivna and Stepan Andriyovych. Together with his brother Serhiy, he grew up in the city of Shepetivka, where he took his first life steps.

In 1973, Vasyl first stepped through the threshold of Shepetivka Secondary School No. 6. He found schooling easy, but he was mostly attracted to sports, especially freestyle wrestling. Dedication to training and determination brought him victories; he won prizes in competitions, demonstrating the strength of spirit and perseverance that accompanied him throughout his life.

After finishing school, the young man chose a working profession and mastered the specialty of a turner at Shepetivka Technical School, which he graduated from in 1984. Following his compulsory service in the Airborne Troops, where he served as a signaller, he continued his education at Vinnytsia Polytechnic Institute.

He began his labor activity at the Shepetivka Cultivator Factory, where he worked for many years as a driller. In 1991, Vasyl Stepanovych met his future wife, Tatiana, and started a family. In 1993, their firstborn son Andriy was born, named after his grandfather, and in 1997, a daughter Iryna, whose name he chose himself.

In 2000, Vasyl Stepanovych changed his workplace and started working in Shepetivka Locomotive Depot, initially as a locksmith and later became a foreman. He was a man respected by his colleagues for his industriousness, honesty, and wisdom.

In his free Time, Vasyl Stepanovych spent time in nature, enjoying fishing. He knew the local waters well and always found the best fishing spots. Besides fishing, he loved picking mushrooms and berries, knowing all the mushroom spots. Walking through forest paths brought him joy; he valued fresh air, silence, and the opportunity to rest from daily worries. Another passion of Vasyl Stepanovych was reading, with a particular fondness for historical books.

Vasyl Stepanovych was always a patriot of his country. When Ukraine faced the threat of occupation, he did not stand aside and in 2015, he volunteered to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation. For his courage, bravery, and resilience displayed during the defense of the country, he was awarded numerous honors, including the honorary distinction 'For the Defense of Mariupol'.

In 2017, after returning to civilian life, Vasyl Stepanovych continued to work at the locomotive depot, but his heart remained on the front lines, with those who continued to defend Ukraine. Therefore, when in 2019 he decided to return to the army, no one among his relatives was surprised - this was Vasyl, a man of honor who could not remain indifferent when the country needed protection. He signed a contract and resumed service in his native 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade,' the city council reported.

Grief and Memory

In 2021, Vasyl Klekach became a grandfather of two grandchildren - Nazar and Maksym. They were his pride; he dreamed of seeing them grow, learn, and enjoy life.

On February 24, 2022, when Russia began a full-scale war, Vasyl Stepanovych met the enemy in battle. He defended the town of Nyukryok on the outskirts of occupied Horlivka, where he and his comrades held back the enemy's advance.

In the second half of 2022, he participated in fierce battles near Izyum, where he sustained severe injuries, but despite the pain and fatigue, he returned to the front line after treatment. In 2023, he was among those defending Bakhmut, demonstrating unyielding will and true heroism. He went through the hottest spots of this war, received numerous injuries, but always returned to battle because he believed that Ukraine would triumph.

For his dedication to military service, he was awarded the Order 'For the Defense of the Motherland', medals, and commendations.

During his service, Vasyl Stepanovych distinguished himself as a responsible, reliable, and brave fighter. He diligently performed his duties, was not afraid of difficulties, and was always ready to support his comrades. He was respected for his determination, resilience, and fighting spirit. In the most dangerous moments, he acted confidently, never lost his composure, and was always ready to risk himself for the sake of his comrades and the common cause.

'The life of a true warrior Vasyl Klekach was prematurely extinguished by serious shrapnel wounds on February 14, 2025. He gave his life for Ukraine, for its freedom, for the future of his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a bright memory, deep sorrow in the hearts of his family and comrades, and an everlasting example of courage and dedication to the Motherland,' the Shepetivka City Council added.

'Glavkom' joins the moment of silence. We honor the memory of all Ukrainians who died in the struggle for the Motherland.