Ivan V. Bondarenko (Bond)

29-year-old soldier Ivan Bondarenko (call sign Bond) was killed on July 23, 2023 near the settlement of Nevske in the Luhansk region. While repelling the enemy's assault actions and holding the brigade's forward positions, he received fatal injuries as a result of close combat with the Russian invaders. Ivan was from the city of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region. He graduated from the Kryvyi Rih Professional Transport and Metallurgical Lyceum. In civilian life, he worked at the production and construction company "PIVDENTRANSMONTAZH-VBK". In his free time, he enjoyed fishing. During the full-scale invasion, the man fought for his country in the ranks of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Ivan was an operator of the anti-tank missile systems division. During his service, he received the "Veteran of War" medal. He was posthumously awarded the insignia of the commander of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade and the medal "For Merit to the City of Kryvyi Rih". "Ivan was incredibly positive and cheerful, but at the same time very strict and fair. He was a true leader and easily led people. He considered family to be the most important thing in life and valued true friendship," his wife Inna said. The defender was buried at the Central Cemetery in his hometown. Ivan is survived by his parents, sister, and wife.