Ihor O. Utiuzh (Slon)

Soldier Igor Utyuzh (call sign Elephant) was killed on December 7, 2023 near the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhia region. During the battle, he covered his comrades from an enemy drone. The warrior was only 27 years old. Igor was from Kyiv. He enrolled at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute". He left his studies in the second year due to a severe injury he sustained during the Revolution of Dignity. In civilian life, he worked as a rafting instructor and was a boat and kayak rental manager. He loved this work very much and dreamed of conquering all the turbulent rivers on all continents. In the first hours of the Russian invasion, without hesitation, he returned to Ukraine from abroad to voluntarily defend his homeland. He fought as part of the 78th separate air assault regiment "Gertsy", holding the position of external pilot (operator) of UAVs. He was awarded the medal "For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine" by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, as well as numerous certificates and commendations. His mother Nina Utyuzh said: "He was our Universe. All his life he was a courageous fighter for justice, a faithful friend and comrade, a true patriot of independent Ukraine. He had a big heart open to everyone, he always helped his loved ones and strangers." His fiancée Yevheniia added: "His main desire was our victory in the war. After that, he planned to travel a lot, arranging his trips so that he could attend football matches. He craved a peaceful and quiet life next to his family in a free and independent Ukraine. He very much wanted to have children, and the first child should definitely be a girl. He dreamed of a house far in the mountains with incredible views. Igor had a goal - to create a charitable foundation that he would call 'White Elephant'." His friend Vladyslav noted: "A person who knew exactly what his life values and principles were. A man who was sure that small actions can make the world better." Igor was buried at the Forest Cemetery in Kyiv. The defender is survived by his parents, fiancée, relatives, friends, and comrades.