Rakov Vitaliy Volodymyrovych 09.07.1984 - 06.12.2024

With indescribable pain, we announce another irreparable loss for our community. Our Defender, a resident of the village of Taranivka — Vitaliy Rakov, returns home "on the shield." 🕯 🇺🇦

Vitaliy was born on July 9, 1984 in the city of Kharkiv. His life path was simple and honest — the same as thousands of Ukrainians live, building their future and the well-being of their family through daily work.

He studied at Kharkiv Secondary School No. 44, after which he obtained a profession at a vocational school with a specialty of "car repair mechanic, driver." He completed his military service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

After demobilization, he began his career. He worked as a shoemaker, a job that eventually became not only a job but also a passion for him. He also worked in the security sector, where he established himself as a reliable and responsible person.

In 2005, Vitaliy met his love, Victoria. Together they created a strong family, in which two children were born and raised.

In 2009, the family purchased a house and moved to the village of Taranivka, where Vitaliy put down roots, became part of the community, and lived and worked for the future of his children.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, Vitaly, without hesitation for a moment, stood up to defend his native land.

Senior soldier, assistant rifleman of the 2nd rifle section of the 2nd rifle platoon of the 1st rifle company of military unit A4020, Vitaliy Rakov remained faithful to his oath and Ukraine until his last breath.

On December 6, 2024, while performing a combat mission near the settlement of Novoivanivka, Sudzhansky District, Kursk Region, Russia, he heroically died in the battle for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

From that day on, Vitaliy was considered missing...

For many months, the family lived between pain and hope, waiting, believing, praying. But after almost fifteen months of uncertainty, the terrible news was confirmed - according to the results of a DNA examination, the body of the deceased Defender was identified.

Today, Vitaliy returns home "on a shield" - to his native land, to his family, to the community that will remember him as a courageous warrior, a loving father, a husband, and a true Man.

The Zmiiv City Council expresses its sincere and deep condolences to the wife, children, family and friends of Vitaliy Rakov. We bow our heads in grief together with you.

It is impossible to find words that will ease this pain.

But the memory of his feat will live forever – in the hearts of people, in the memories of his relatives, in the future of a free Ukraine.

Eternal glory and bright memory to the Hero.

Heroes don't die.

🕯 IN MEMORY OF VITALIY RAKOV

On April 3, a farewell ceremony was held in the village of Taranivka for the fallen Hero – Vitaly Rakov. The senior soldier, assistant rifleman of the 2nd rifle division of the 2nd rifle platoon of the 1st rifle company of military unit A4020, died on December 6, 2024 near the settlement of Novoivanivka, Sudzhansky district, Kursk region of the Russian Federation. Until recently, Vitaly was considered missing...

Vitaliy Rakov was born on July 9, 1984 in Kharkiv. He studied at Kharkiv comprehensive school No. 44, after graduating from it he obtained a profession at a vocational school with a specialty of "car repair mechanic, driver". He completed his military service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

After demobilization, he began his career. He worked as a shoemaker, a job that eventually became not only a job but also a passion for him. He also worked in the security sector.

In 2005, Vitaly started a family, where he had two children.

In 2009, the family purchased a house and moved to the village of Taranivka.

He stood up for the country's defense at the beginning of a full-scale invasion.

For many months, the family lived between pain and hope, waiting, believing, praying. But after almost fifteen months of uncertainty, the terrible news was confirmed - according to the results of a DNA examination, the body of the deceased Defender was identified.

The soldier was buried on the Alley of Heroes in Bezlyudivka.

Eternal glory and memory to the Hero!

We remember at what cost!🇺🇦