Writer Volodymyr Vakulenko was killed by Russian invaders, DNA test proves

Last night, a prosecutor’s office informed the parents of Volodymyr Vakulenko, a writer, civil society activist and volunteer, that the body found in burial 319 was of their son, as confirmed by DNA analysis.

According to Ukrinform, Vakulenko and his son had been detained by Russian troops in the village of Kapytolivka near Izyum, Kharkiv Oblast, in late March 2022 after the invaders captured the village. The Russians were hunting for Anti-Terrorist Operation / Joint Forces Operation participants, territorial defense members and their relatives, staff of various institutions, volunteers and people with an active pro-Ukrainian position.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, Volodymyr Vakulenko, a laureate of several writing competitions who was decorated with a Silver Trident for his literary achievements, buried his manuscripts in his garden. They will be given to the Kharkiv Literary Museum.