Ivan V. Ivakhnenko (Kuvalda)

Junior Sergeant Ivan Ivakhnenko (call sign Kuvald) was killed on October 7, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region. The defender was 30 years old. Ivan was born in the village of Lyubomyrivka, Mykolaiv region. He lived in the village of Blahodatne, Kherson region. He graduated from the Melitopol Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport and obtained the qualifications of a repair shop mechanic and an electrical mechanic for repairing electrical equipment. He was a freelancer. He was interested in off-road motorcycle riding and loved active recreation in nature. He was passionate about fishing and woodworking, as well as research in the agro-industrial sector - he grew various plants and invented new species through crossbreeding. He enjoyed spending time at home in the kitchen, cooking something delicious. He was a participant in the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In 2015, he was awarded the commemorative sign "For Military Valor". During the full-scale invasion, Ivan fought for Ukraine in the ranks of the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of a member of the assault squad. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he defended the eastern direction of the front. "Ivan was a wonderful person. He was a wonderful son, husband, and brother. He was also a true friend. There are very few people like him. Very few people who respect and help everyone. Children loved him very much. Despite the fatigue after work, he always played with his beloved daughter. He was a person of honesty and justice. I always respected him. I remember our conversations with my brother, every meeting with him. How he taught me to live and always worried that he would not set a bad example. It is very pleasant to remember these moments, and at the same time it is painful that they will never happen again. The most difficult thing is that our communication lasted so little. And how I now want to share with my brother some joys or problems! We will remember him forever. He will forever remain in our hearts. Eternal memory to the Hero!" - said the younger sister of the fallen, Tetiana. The paratrooper was buried in the village of Blahodatne, Kherson region. Ivan is survived by his parents, sister, wife, and daughter.