Ivan V. Kovalchuk (Opier, Zeus)

25-year-old Ivan Kovalchuk (call sign Zeus, Operator) was killedon March 3, 2023 near the city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region. The soldier was saving his comrades when he came under artillery fire and suffered fatal injuries. Ivan was born in the village of Siltsya-Mlynivski in the Volyn region. He graduated from the Lviv State University of Internal Affairs. He worked in his field for some time. He was a fighter for justice. He loved life and dreamed of victory. At the time of the full-scale war, Ivan was abroad. However, he later returned and joined the airborne assault troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of senior gunner of the reconnaissance platoon of the 13th battalion of the 95th separate airborne assault brigade. "Ivan was only 25 years old. Vanya was a very good, kind, conscientious, and wise person. He was always worried about others. He is our Hero and protector. He gave his life too early for all of us," said the deceased's sister Kateryna. The paratrooper was buried in the village of Domanove in Volyn. Ivan is survived by his parents, brother, sister, and goddaughter.