Vasyl Stefanyshyn is a Ukrainian painter, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the first days of Russia’s war. 

Vasyl is an artist and sculptor, but also teaches at a children’s art school in Ivano-Frankivsk. He first specialized in traditional art, but later found a focus in abstract art. He presented his debut art exhibition with the abstract Projections in Lviv,  2018. On his canvases, the themes of fading time and social identity in an age of digitalization are central. After the war escalated, Vasyl left his wife and 7-year-old daughter at home, signing up to the Armed Forces of Ukraine with no prior military experience. Now, he can only see his family via the video calls.

“I felt I had to be here, and I still don’t regret it. We are fighting for the future of our children”.

He trained in Lviv, later fighting in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions as part of the 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, holding the position of deputy commander. When he has time, he talks with local people on the front line, helping children and painting helmets to raise his unit’s spirits. His 70 students wish for a swift victory and write letters of support to Vasyl. 

After Ukraine’s victory, Vasyl plans to continue teaching.