Vladimir Zhilenko: A Hero's Return from Captivity

Key Details:

• A history teacher from Baltsky Lyceum No. 3 has returned home after 800 days in Russian captivity;
• The head of the Odessa Regional Education and Science Department, Oleksandr Lonchak, thanked everyone involved in facilitating the Hero's return;
• Vladimir Zhilenko is now awaiting treatment and rehabilitation.

This joyful news was shared on Facebook by Oleksandr Lonchak.

He noted that Vladimir Zhilenko is "a person who has endured the darkness of war but retained his dignity, courage, and faith." He volunteered for the front and was captured in 2023 during the battles for Avdiivka, suffering serious injuries. Until now, there had been no news about him.

"Two years and two months… 800 days! It’s like cutting dates out of a calendar. Endless waiting. It's living without breathing fully. It's waking up every morning with one question: 'What if - today?' 'Have we been forgotten?' 'Are these torments forever?'

And now – the dream has come true.

Our Teacher, our colleague, our Hero – is home. With weary eyes, unhealed wounds, yet with incredible inner strength. He endured captivity to once again step on his native Ukrainian soil.

To once more teach the children of Podillia about bravery, history, and memory. And most importantly, to become an example,” wrote Oleksandr Lonchak.

The official expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the return of Vladimir Zhilenko, as well as other prisoners of war, to Ukraine, the Armed Forces, and to all who fight for each of our Heroes.
Now, the teacher who has returned home awaits treatment and rehabilitation.