Illia O. Marchuk

Defender Illia Marchuk (call sign Maryk) died on August 18, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Pryyutne, Zaporizhzhia region. The warrior was 29 years old. Illia was born in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region. He received his education at the Apostolove Center for Personnel Training and Retraining. Before mobilization, he worked as a forklift driver at the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih metallurgical plant. During the full-scale invasion, he held the position of driver in the mechanized battalion of the 23rd separate mechanized brigade. "Unfortunately, we did not have much time together, but I realized that he was the best man in my life, the best father and a wonderful son. Illia is an example of courage for us. He did not hide behind the backs of others, but took up arms and defended everything dear to his heart. For his family and loved ones, he will forever remain a personal hero. Unfortunately, the war is taking the best of us, but the memory of them and gratitude will help preserve our future. We will always remember you, Illia, we will always remember. For your girls, Svitlana and Sofiychka, you will forever remain the best husband and dad," said his wife Svitlana. The defender was buried in the village of Radushne, Dnipropetrovsk region. Illia Marchuk is survived by his wife Svitlana and daughter Sofiia. Posthumously, Illia Marchuk was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.