Shot by Russia: World Kickboxing Champion Killed in Battle of Kreminna
Vitaly Merinov was a public figure known to everyone in Ivano-Frankivsk. He planned to run for mayor of the city, helped the poor, promoted the development of his hometown, and adored sports. More than 10 years ago he opened a sports school in Frankivsk, because from a young age he was engaged in the art of combat. Vitaly Merinov brought up more than one generation of young athletes, who more than once took prize places at all-Ukrainian and international tournaments.
On February 24, 2022, as soon as a full-scale war began, Vitaliy joined the National Guard of Ukraine, in which he served before, in particular in the area of the ATO.
The four-time kickboxing world champion, even while at the front, always called his pets and was interested in training successes.
“The man was so energetic that he was enough for service, and he was still engaged in his public organization, engaged in his boys, whom he raised as athletes. It never interfered with the service and the performance of any tasks”, - recalls Vitaly to his brother.
He did not leave aside social activities. Vitaly was a deputy of Ivano-Frankivsk city council and a member of the executive committee, and after the war planned to run for mayor.
“The man was 100% sure that he would succeed. He has the name Merinov and all his friends from childhood call him “Mayor”. In many on the phone, he is recorded as Mayor. His nickname was the Mayor,” said the wife of the deceased Vita Merinova.
On March 31, 2023, he died in hospital from injuries received the day before. Vitaliy has a wife and daughter Leia.
For more information about the activities of the athlete who became a warrior, see the project “Shot by Russia” from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
