The Ukrainian dancer, winner of the show "Everybody Dances 6," choreographer, and artist was killed in the war on January 6.
The news of his death was shared on Instagram by close friend Vladimir Rakov, dancer and choreographer Galina Pekha.
"On January 6, during a combat mission, my closest friend and colleague — Vladimir Rakov — was killed," Pekha reported.
Vladimir was only 30 years old.
He defended Ukraine following the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The defender served in the ranks of the 2nd Rifle Battalion of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Daniel.
Dancer Vladimir Rakov was the winner of the talent show "Everybody Dances" in its sixth season in 2013, earning the title of the best dancer in Ukraine, and continued to collaborate with the show as a dancer and choreographer.
Vladimir worked as a choreographer's assistant on the show Dancing with the Stars, and was an artist in theatrical projects such as Kozar Dance Theatre (2013-2016), Traum Theatre Salome Germany (2017-2019), and a winner of WOD 2018 Berlin as part of the team Wonder.
In 2015, Vladimir Rakov participated with the team Apache Crew at Hip Hop International in San Diego.