Ivan L. Kovaliov

A 25-year-old mortar gunner, Ivan Kovalov, was killed in action on the first day of full-scale war, February 24, 2022, as a result of an enemy rocket attack on the city of Sumy. Ivan was born in the village of Poltavske, Luhansk region. He graduated from Voevodska comprehensive school. He obtained the profession of an electrician for the repair and maintenance of electrical equipment at the higher professional lyceum of Luhansk National Taras Shevchenko University. He was fond of hunting and fishing. He loved cars, devoted a lot of time to repairing military equipment and his own car. Later, the guy decided to link his life with military service and signed a contract with the 81st separate airborne brigade. During his service, he became interested in kettlebell lifting, had many sports awards and certificates. In 2019, the serviceman was awarded the "Cossack Cross" badge of the JFO commander of the III degree. When the full-scale war began, paratroopers were among the first to be sent to defend the Motherland. Ivan was at the wheel of a GAZ-66 truck that was transporting mortars and ammunition. That day around 16:30, a battle took place, during which the serviceman received fatal gunshot wounds to the chest. After the first hit, he still tried to bypass the pole that had fallen in front of the truck, managed to turn the car, which crashed into an armored vehicle (SAU), stopped. Thus, his commander was able to save himself, and Ivan received repeated gunshot wounds, and his heart could not stand it. "He was only 25. In August 2022, Vanya and I planned to get married, on February 14 he proposed to me, it was the happiest day. And already in about 10 days, the enemy's bullet took his life... But, despite everything, he is my family, the love of my life. My husband was my home, my wall, my heart, and now he continues to perform his duty as a paratrooper, but already from heaven... He protected me in life and continues to do so. I will never forgive the enemy who cut our happiness in half...", - said the beloved of the fallen warrior, Yulia. The defender was buried on the Alley of Heroes of the Zaturynske cemetery in the Poltava region. Ivan left behind his parents, brothers, and beloved girlfriend Yulia. Posthumously, Senior Soldier Ivan Kovalov was awarded the Order of "Courage" of the III degree.