Ihor V. Babko (Babai)

Junior Sergeant Ihor Babko (call sign Babai) was killed on July 11, 2023, in a battle near the village of Ivanivske in the Donetsk region. During the artillery shelling, he sustained fatal injuries. The fighter did not live to see his 26th birthday by 9 days. Ihor was from the village of Mysiurivka, Khmilnytskyi region. After finishing the 9th grade, he enrolled in the Khmilnytskyi Vocational Lyceum No. 5, where he obtained the profession of an electrician. He was passionate about football, loved an active lifestyle, had many friends, and dreamed of having his own family. In May 2017, he was conscripted into the National Guard of Ukraine and served in Kalynivka, Vinnytsia region. After two months, he signed a contract. In 2018-2021, he carried out combat missions in the Joint Forces Operation area in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. After the contract ended, he was discharged, but not for long. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man went to defend his country from the enemy again. Ihor fought in the ranks of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "He was a very kind and loving person, always in a positive mood. He was very brave, never afraid of anything. From the first days of the full-scale war, he went as a volunteer and always said that he needed to go and defend the Motherland, because if everyone says they don't want to go, then what will happen," said the deceased's fiancée, Natalia. "Ihor had a clear life position, which was focused on a great love for Ukraine, and was an example for his friends and acquaintances! He was a very sensitive, fair person. This is a person of honor, courage, a model of indomitability. Defending our state was above all for him! He believed that he had to be on the battlefield!" wrote his loved ones. The defender was buried in the Alley of Glory of the cemetery in the village of Oleshyn, Khmilnytskyi region. Ihor is survived by his parents, brother, fiancée, other relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms.