On July 26, the city of Zhytomyr bid a final farewell to Colonel Valentyna Savitska, Head of the Center for International Cooperation and Strategic Communications of the State Protection Department of Ukraine (UDO). She was killed on July 24 as a result of a Russian missile strike in the Kyiv region.
Family members, friends, colleagues, fellow service members, local officials, and residents gathered to pay their last respects. Valentyna Savitska was laid to rest at Korbutivske Municipal Cemetery in Zhytomyr.
A Life Dedicated to Ukraine
Born and raised in Zhytomyr, Valentyna graduated from School No. 20 with a gold medal before continuing her education at the Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
She began her career in the Security Service of Ukraine and later joined the State Protection Department of Ukraine (UDO). In recent years, she led the Center for International Cooperation and Strategic Communications, where she worked to strengthen international partnerships, coordinate strategic communication initiatives, and promote the development of the agency.
Her colleagues credit her with launching and leading numerous projects that helped modernize the department and expand its international cooperation.
"She Had Enough Love for Everyone"
Relatives remember Valentyna as an exceptionally kind and compassionate person.
Her aunt, Anna Tymoshchuk, described her as someone who always cared for others, never forgot family celebrations, and constantly found ways to help those around her.
"She was an incredibly bright and kind person. If she could, she would have embraced the whole world. She always tried to help everyone and never forgot about the people she loved."
An Inspiration to Her Colleagues
Friends and coworkers say Valentyna combined professionalism with genuine humanity.
A family acquaintance, Dmytro, recalled that although they were not close friends, she had helped him and his family on several occasions and was always willing to support others.
Her colleagues described her as an inspiring leader who encouraged innovation and motivated those around her to work for the benefit of Ukraine.
"The projects we carried out together were aimed at strengthening our country. Valentyna gave our department a powerful impulse to continue developing and moving forward. We are grateful for everything she accomplished."
Killed in a Russian Missile Strike
On July 24, Valentyna Savitska lost her life during a Russian missile attack on the Kyiv region.
Ukraine has lost not only a highly respected officer but also an experienced specialist in international cooperation and strategic communications who devoted her career to serving and protecting her country.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Eternal memory to Colonel Valentyna Savitska.
