"RIKO"

He fought on the Kherson axis, in the battles for Soledar, and in Artemsil. He was killed on February 19, 2023, near the village of Berkhivka in Donetsk Oblast. While carrying out a combat mission, the serviceman came under enemy tank fire. The officer was 29 years old. Ihor was born in Poltava. He studied at Poltava City Multidisciplinary Lyceum No. 1 named after Ivan Kotliarevskyi. He earned a higher degree in economics at the Ukrainian Academy of Banking in Sumy. In civilian life, he worked as a financier and was a co-owner of a gaming club. He loved training at the gym and knew how to develop this talent in others. He read a lot. He was a good storyteller and an admirer of beauty. He loved life and dark humor. During the full-scale war, Ihor defended Ukraine as part of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as the commander of a mortar battery. “Ihor was a living example of a real man and a warrior—brave, caring, and fair. He was always positive, never complained. He volunteered for the war at the very beginning of the full-scale invasion because he could not accept the suffering that the ‘russkiy mir’ brought to civilians. He was a responsible commander and a motivated fighter who energized those around him by his own example. He was always attentive to every one of his soldiers. Honor and dignity were not just words to him—they were principles he lived by!” his loved ones say. “Ihor didn’t like much attention, and he never chased social recognition or leadership. He would probably say now that there’s no need to idealize him, because the desire to protect people and the country is an absolutely normal thing for a man to do. The memory of Ihor’s selflessness must be preserved—he deserves it, even though he never aimed for that. With this loss, something died inside. No hopes, no expectations. Life on inertia. But there is something that will remain forever with those whose hearts Ihor touched. For family and friends he was a pillar and support. He was sincere, cheerful, and he loved this life. We miss him terribly. We always remember him, we keep recalling him. Honor and glory to our Defender, Ihor!” adds his friend Alia. The officer was laid to rest in the village of Zaturyne in Poltava Oblast. He was awarded the medal “For Bravery in Battle.” He was posthumously made a Knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd Class.