Ukrainian poet, combat medic, and cardiologist Volodymyr Volikov (call sign “Skif”) has been killed on the front lines.
According to Ukrinform, the news was shared on Facebook by his comrade, Oleksii Sahalovskyi.
“With great sorrow, I must inform you that yesterday [on March 8], the heart of my friend and comrade, co-author of songs, and renowned combat medic Volodymyr Volikov, stopped beating. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. So many plans ahead… How could this happen, Volikov?” he wrote.
Another comrade, Viktor Zaichuk, confirmed that Volikov died from a gunshot wound.
“A tragic loss. Today, my comrade, a military volunteer, medic, and simply a wonderful person, was killed. Rest in peace,” he said.
At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Volikov joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and served in eastern Ukraine.
In 2024, he published a poetry collection titled “Poetry, Scorched by War” (ADEF-Ukraine Publishing House), in which he captured the emotions and experiences of the war.
“The war has left its mark on all of us. We have all changed. And so has my poetry. Yes, it still speaks of love, passion, and the belief that light will overcome darkness. But at its core is our shared pain — war. This book is autobiographical. I tried to convey my own experiences and ignite in every heart a spark of hope and faith. The darkest hours always come before dawn. And our world will be saved not by beauty. No. Our world will be saved by love,” reads the book’s annotation.
Photo: Iona Rukobratskaya
Source: Ukrainian combat medic Volodymyr Volikov killed in action
