Ihor E. Shcherbak (Rico)

Lieutenant Ihor Shcherbak (call sign Rico) was killed on February 19, 2023 near the village of Berkhivka in the Donetsk region. During the performance of a combat mission, the warrior came under enemy tank fire. The officer was 29 years old. Ihor was born in Poltava. He studied at the Poltava City Multidisciplinary Lyceum No. 1 named after Ivan Kotliarevsky. He obtained a higher economic education at the Ukrainian Academy of Banking in Sumy. In peacetime, he worked as a financier and was a co-owner of a gaming club. He adored training in the gym and was able to develop this talent in others. He read a lot. He was a good storyteller and an appreciator of the beautiful. He loved life and black humor. During the full-scale war, Ihor defended Ukraine as part of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was the commander of a mortar battery. "Ihor was a living example of a true man, a warrior. Courageous, caring and just. He was always positive, never complained. He volunteered for the war at the beginning of the full-scale invasion because he could not reconcile with the suffering that the Russian world brought to the civilian population. A responsible commander and a motivated fighter, who charged those around him with his example. He was always attentive to each of his fighters. Honor and dignity were not just words for him, but life principles!" - say the close ones of the fallen. "Ihor did not like much attention to himself, he never chased after social recognition or leadership. Perhaps now he would say that the desire to protect people and the country is an absolutely normal male act. But people should know their heroes by sight. The memory of Ihor's selflessness should be engraved, he was always worthy of it. Although he did not have such a goal. With this loss, something was killedinside. No hopes, no expectations. Life by inertia. But there is something that will forever remain with those whose hearts Ihor touched. For close friends and friends, he was a support and support. He was always helpful. He was sincere, cheerful and loved this life. We miss him very much. We always remember, we constantly recall. Honor and glory to our Defender Ihor!" - adds his friend Alya. The officer was buried in the village of Zaturyne in the Poltava region. Ihor is survived by his parents, grandmother, cousin, relatives and friends.