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Vitaliy Skakun: Ukrainian soldier who blew himself up to stop Russians hailed as hero at funeral

Vitaliy Skakun, who blew himself up in an attempt to stop Russian troops at the Henichesk bridge in the Kherson region, was hailed as a 'hero' at his funeral

A Ukrainian soldier who blew himself up in an attempt to stop Russian troops at the Henichesk bridge in the Kherson region has been honored and hailed as a "hero", with a massive crowd attending his funeral. Twenty-five-year-old hero Vitaliy Skakun Volodymyrovych, who sacrifice his life for his country, was finally laid to rest in his hometown earlier this week.

According to Ukrainian Armed Forces, on 24 February, the young Ukrainian soldier took up a position at a bridge near Crimea when Russian tanks were advancing last week. When he realized that he would not be able to get out in time before the explosion, he allegedly took the decision to stay down and ensure the bridge was destroyed even though it meant giving his own life.

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On 2 March, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Austria Olexander Scherba shared an image of his funeral on social media. He wrote, "His name was Vitaly Skakun. He was 25. To stop RU fascists, he blew up a bridge at the cost of his life. Today he was carried to the grave in his hometown - and people stood on their knees."

According to a report by the LadBible, his comrades said that they heard from Vitaliy that he planned to blow up the bridge, and then heard an immediate explosion. The staff statement said, "Our comrade died. His heroic deed significantly slowed the enemy's advance, which allowed the unit to redeploy and organize the defense."

The statement also confirmed that Vitaliy will be considered for a state military award. “The Marine Command will apply to the High Command to award the state award to sailor Skakun Vitaliy Volodymyrovych," it read.

Many Ukrainian are heartbroken but at the same time extremely grateful for the way the young soldier sacrificed his life for them. They mourn his loss and pray for his departed soul but remember him as a "real hero". They took to Twitter to express their feelings.

A person wrote, "The most HIGH awaits you with his Angels. Let the light of the merciful God shine upon you. Jesus said, there is no greater love than giving your own Life for the ones you love. Jesus Christ, let him into your Kingdom, may we all one day come to you, into your light...Amen!"

Another wrote, "This is so heartbreaking💔😢 meet Skakun Vitaliy Volodymyrovich, The Hero who blow himself up to destroyed a bridge in preventing Russia tank from advancing. You will forever have a place in our hearts."

"The bravery of the Ukrainian people is astonishing. Now we just need the Russian people and the rest of the world to stand up to Putin as strongly as the men and women of Ukraine," another wrote.

A person also commented, "Sailor Vitaliy Skakun died by blowing up the Henichesky Bridge to stop a column of Russian troops. Eternal glory, Hero!"