Ivan I. Khomuk (Dovhyi)

Sergeant Junior Sergeant Ivan Khomuk (call sign Dovhyi) was killed on January 13, 2023 in a battle with the occupiers near the city of Seversk in the Donetsk region. On January 19, the defender would have turned 23 years old. Ivan was born in the village of Zdomyshl, Volyn region. He received his education there. At the age of 19, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He carried out combat missions in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas. He loved to read. He met his beloved girl and dreamed of starting a family with her. But he didn't have time. During the full-scale war, Ivan continued to defend his native country from Russian occupiers. He was the commander of a mortar platoon of a mechanized battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Ivan Khomuk was a worthy son of his country, defending it until his last breath. He was not afraid to die for his state and family. He was a faithful comrade-in-arms who, risking his own life, always came to help. Since 2019, he has been in the area of the Joint Forces Operation. Over these years, he has been one step away from death many times. But he always went to the end. He never betrayed his principles. He worthily fulfilled his duties. He was one of the best soldiers. He was the youngest in the unit. In his young years, he was very smart and wise, and everyone turned to him for advice. Ivan Khomuk was very well versed in military affairs. Every day, when he had a free minute, he tried to learn new things and improve his skills," wrote the deceased's girlfriend Alina. "Ivan always said that you need to live and appreciate all the moments of life, never hide your feelings. He taught not to pay attention to other people's negative opinions. Live the way you like. He said that you need to live without causing pain to yourself and your loved ones. In peaceful life, Ivan was a very reliable, fearless young man, ready to give the last for his loved ones. He did everything to make it good for his family at home," so describe him by his loved ones. The young warrior was buried in his native village. At home, Ivan was waited for by his parents, two sisters and his beloved girlfriend.