Ihor V. Lieshchyn (Horets)

Captain Ihor Leshchyn (call sign Horyts) was killed in action on July 14, 2022, while performing a combat mission near the city of Siversk, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region. The defender received fatal injuries during an enemy tank shelling. He was 49 years old forever. Ihor was born in the city of Druzhkivka, Donetsk region. He lived in the city of Poltava. In 1994, he graduated from the Poltava Higher Anti-Aircraft Missile Command School. He then served as a career officer in the airborne forces as the commander of an anti-aircraft missile battery. From 2006 to 2012, he headed the Sokol Special Forces Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in the Poltava region. From 2014 to 2022, he transferred his experience and knowledge to others with great inner satisfaction. At the beginning of the full-scale war, the man replenished the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 5th battalion tactical group of the 81st separate airmobile brigade. He held the position of commander of the anti-aircraft missile platoon. He took part in battles on the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions. By order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the officer was awarded the honorary breastplate "For exemplary service in the military service" of the II degree. "On the day I met Ihor, I immediately felt that this was a reliable person with whom I would create a family. And for 30 years, he was and remains in my memory an unpredictable and persistent teacher who, even in my sleep, helps me simply live for the two of us for the sake of future generations," his wife Olena said. "He was my universe. Dad taught me to live not by stereotypical upbringing, but by his wisdom, he was first and foremost the best friend, mentor, and colossal support that constantly motivated me to move forward. It was always safe next to him. His main feature is sincerity, which was in everything: communication, help, actions. He spent his whole life helping people, teaching them, saving them. He lived by this, and this desire for heroic deeds was in his blood," his daughter Iryna shared. "A careful and attentive father. Always accompanied me at all stages of my life. He was the best friend, with whom you can drink coffee, talk on any topic, listen to advice. His life experience was so rich that it helped him quickly give guidance or find a way out of any situation. He was a purposeful and experienced person, the best father, a true friend," his son Dmytro noted. The hero was buried at the Zaturynskyi cemetery near Poltava. Ihor left behind a brother, wife, son, daughter, other relatives, friends, and comrades.