Actor Bohdan Kolesnik, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, died in the area of Russia’s special military operation. The news came from Ukraine’s State Cinema Agency via its Facebook account. The post notes that Kolesnik passed away during active duty, a loss confirmed by the agency and echoed by cinema colleagues and fans. This marks one more frontline silhouette in a long list of artists who have answered the call to serve during the ongoing conflict, drawing attention to the personal risks faced by performers who also wear military uniforms. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
The announcement highlights that the artist had become known to Russian audiences through his work on the multi-episode feature film “Black Cats.” The project, which drew attention for its ensemble cast and wartime narratives, contributed to Kolesnik’s recognition beyond Ukrainian cinema. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
Public notes quoted in the release describe Ukrainian actor Bohdan Kolesnik among those who continued to work in film and then stepped into service, reflecting a broader pattern of artists who joined territorial defense and military units during the conflict. The publication’s wording confirms the actor’s death and underscores the personal impact on colleagues in the film industry. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
“Black Cats” premiered years earlier in December 2013. The film’s plot centers on the efforts of a German special forces unit, Brandenburg 800, as it grapples with banditry and saboteurs in the post-war years—an historical backdrop that resonates with audiences familiar with 20th-century military conflicts. The production narrative places the shoot in Odessa, a city known for its diverse scenery and logistical capabilities that have supported numerous films. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
The production drew participation from several notable Russian actors, including Pavel Derevyanko and Olga Lomonosova, who joined the Ukrainian project and contributed to its on-screen dynamics. The collaboration of actors across national lines during the filming process reflects a period when cross-border artistic work occurred despite geopolitical tensions. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
On December 8, information circulated about the death of Ukrainian actor Vasily Kukharsky, recognized for his performances in the TV series “The Return of the Headman” and “Police Wars.” Following the escalation of hostilities, Kukharsky joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and sustained serious injuries in the conflict, a reminder of the personal costs borne by performers who also serve. The public record notes his valor and the impact of the war on the arts community. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)
Another actor, Oleg Ivanitsa, has a history of joining Ukrainian forces amid the conflict and has publicly expressed a stance that reflects the broader sentiment within the artistic community—an emphasis on national sovereignty and the responsibility to defend it. His decision to take up arms is part of a wider tapestry of artists who have balanced creative careers with military duty during the crisis. (Source attribution: State Cinema Agency)