Today we want to tell you a little about Vladyslav Zubenko and what he did at Knyaz Club.

Vlad came to the club as a student back in 2008. He had just finished school and was still a very young man.

Vladyslav attended training regularly and took an active part in club life. At first, training wasn’t easy for him — he didn’t have the physical preparation — but through strength of spirit and character he developed and pushed forward.
His short stature and light weight were never an excuse for him to skip a fight or to give up.
He went to every club event and competition, as long as it didn’t interfere with his studies. Vlad was an excellent student and still found time for all kinds of volunteer work.

In time, Vlad got his own set of armour. He was drawn to both fencing and full-contact fighting. Vlad took an active part in tournaments and buhurts, in nearly every division. He loved his axe — a small one-handed weapon that suited him perfectly. In a fight he was a fast, tireless fighter; his manoeuvrability and speed made up for the physical strength of his opponents. Vlad treated his rivals with respect; mockery and unsporting behaviour were not part of who he was. He took defeats with dignity, never made excuses, set himself new goals, and kept developing.

He loved the atmosphere of festivals and the Middle Ages, never noticed the discomforts, always found himself something to do, and helped his clubmates. It’s hard to remember Vlad in a bad mood. Fighting alongside him was thrilling; relaxing in his company was a real pleasure.

We are deeply grateful to fate for knowing such a wonderful person. And losing such a worthy young man has been very bitter for us!

Vladyslav Zubenko was killed on Instytutska Street in Kyiv during the Revolution of Dignity. At first he attended Kharkiv’s Euromaidan. He travelled to Kyiv on 18 February. On his social media page he left a note saying he was going to the Maidan “because it is my choice.” He took his knight’s armour with him. On 20 February 2014, Zubenko took an AK-47 bullet in the stomach while shielding a stretcher with a wounded man. The bullet passed through, damaging internal organs and his spine. For eight days the doctors fought for his life and performed several operations. On 28 February his heart stopped.

On 21 November 2014 he was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the Gold Star.

You are forever in our hearts, Vlad!

Eternal memory, Vladyslav! Glory to the Heroes!