Volodymyr Hvozdynskyi

Junior Sergeant Volodymyr Hvozdynskyi (call sign Minfin) was killed on the night of July 29, 2022, on the grounds of a former penal colony in the occupied settlement of Olenivka, Donetsk region. An explosion destroyed the building where russian forces were holding Ukrainian prisoners of war who had been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.

Volodymyr was 23 years old. He was born in the village of Pashena Balka, Dnipro region, and later moved with his parents and two older sisters to the city of Kamianske. He studied at Lyceum No. 3 until the 9th grade and then completed vocational training at Technical College No. 15.

Even in his teens, Volodymyr actively participated in national patriotic initiatives and had a clear goal: to one day serve in Azov. That dream came true when he joined voluntarily.

Recognized for his motivation and focus, he soon became a mortar commander within the unit.

During the full-scale invasion, Minfin also led an online community of like-minded Ukrainians. Through social media, he uplifted morale, spread meaningful messages, and organized fundraisers to support frontline defenders.

He dreamed of traveling across Ukraine with his son, hiking in the mountains, and helping stray cats.

“We’ll always remember him as principled, joyful, brave, sincere, kind, and courageous,” said his wife, Hanna Hvozdynska. “A man of his word who stood by those in need, a devoted husband and loving father, and someone who generously shared his knowledge and experience with others—many of whom, inspired by him, joined the defense of Ukraine themselves.”

During his lifetime, Volodymyr received the Presidential Award “For Participation in the ATO” and the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” 2nd Class.

The defender was cremated on July 23, 2023, at Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv.

He is survived by his parents, wife, son, sisters, nephews, and extended family.

Source: Memorial

Contributors: Sophia Yakivtsiv and Tetiana Spindel (translators), Liena Shulika (designer)