Fox Cities News

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh student Vladyslav “Vlad” Plyaka is honoring Ukrainian college students who have died in the Russia-Ukraine war. After learning about the death of his friend, Kostiantyn “Kostia” Yuzviuk, a drone operator in Ukraine’s military, Plyaka decided to share their stories through an event at UW-Oshkosh.

The event, titled "Ukrainian Student Stories: Three Years of Russia’s War in Ukraine," will be held on February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Reeve Memorial Union’s Ballroom. It will feature photo exhibits and video podcasts telling the stories of Kostia and other Ukrainian students affected by the conflict.

Plyaka aims to highlight Kostia's life and contributions. Kostia was a teenage activist during the 2013 Revolution of Dignity and later served as a soldier until his death on July 18, 2024. The event includes two photo exhibits: one focusing on Kostia's life on the front lines and another called "Unissued Diplomas," which honors 40 Ukrainian college students who lost their lives in the war.

The Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership sponsored the event, with support from Wisconsin Ukrainians. UW-Oshkosh student interns contributed by designing exhibits and video podcasts.

“This project is an incredible example of student-driven civic engagement,” said Mike Lueder, director of UW-Oshkosh’s Center for Civic and Community Engagement. He hopes it inspires others to make a difference.

For Plyaka, the war is personal. On February 24, 2022, he awoke in Rivne, Ukraine, to find that Russia had launched a full-scale invasion. His family took shelter during missile strikes before he moved to the U.S. on a student visa in August 2022.

“It is so hard to be in a safe place and see how my friends and relatives and my nation are being killed by missile and drone attacks,” said Plyaka, who plans to return to Ukraine after earning his degree as an investigative journalist.

“Ukraine is paying its highest price in this unjust war, and that price is human life,” he said. By sharing Kostia’s story, Plyaka hopes more people become civically engaged.

Talking with Kostia’s family was challenging for Plyaka but necessary for keeping his memory alive. Despite emotional challenges, Kostia's family supported the project.

“He believed in Ukraine’s sovereignty and died fighting for that cause,” Plyaka stated about Kostia's dedication as a drone operator under dangerous conditions.

Iryna Levada from UW-Eau Claire shares similar experiences with reminders of war even while studying abroad. She receives messages from her parents about ongoing threats back home.

This event seeks not only to honor those lost but also encourage others to engage socially against injustices faced globally today.