A diary buried in a backyard during the Russian occupation of Izium Raion documented the final months of Volodymyr Vakulenko, a Ukrainian author and poet. Following his abduction in March 2022, his writings were recovered after the liberation of the region, providing a definitive record of his perspective during the military conflict.
Early Life and Vocational Background
Born in 1972 in Kapytolivka, Vakulenko attended local schools before studying at the Izium Vocational School No. 24, where he trained as a pastry chef. His professional career began in 1990, spanning roles from kitchen worker to trucker and apartment repairman. He served in the Soviet army from January 1991 until August 1992, receiving a disability discharge shortly before his planned demobilization.
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Vakulenko engaged in diverse literary activities, including poetry, prose, and translation. He served as the editor-in-chief of the children's newspaper Krynytsia and the translation magazine DzeRkaLo. His work appeared in various Ukrainian cities, and his writing was translated into multiple languages, including German, English, and Esperanto. Beyond his creative output, he functioned as a public figure and contributor to Wikipedia.
Abduction and Death
On 24 March 2022, Russian troops abducted Vakulenko from his home in Kapytolivka. He was detained during the Russian occupation of the Kharkiv area. His remains were discovered in a mass grave outside Izium on 12 May 2022. Forensic identification confirmed he had been killed by two bullets from a Makarov pistol. His body was reburied in Kharkiv in December 2022.
Posthumous Recognition
Recognition of his life and work followed his death. In 2023, he received the Wikisword and the Prix Voltaire Special Award. The Ukrainian government awarded him the Order of Merit, 3rd class, in 2024 and named him a Hero of Ukraine in 2025. Investigations into his murder identified two soldiers from the Luhansk People's Republic as the suspected perpetrators.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Kapytolivka
- Died: 2022, Izium Raion
- Occupations: Writer, poet, translator, numismatist
- Military service: Soviet army (1991–1992)
- Burial site: Kharkiv
- Awards: Order of Merit (3rd class), Wikisword, Hero of Ukraine
Questions readers ask
How was Vakulenko identified after his death?
Following the discovery of his body in a mass grave and subsequent exhumation, he was formally identified using a DNA sample.
What happened to his wartime writing?
Vakulenko buried his journal in his backyard prior to his death. It was retrieved by writer Victoria Amelina after the area was liberated.
Achievements
- Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class — 2024
- Genres: children's literature, prose and translation
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