Ivan V. Skoblii (Prapor)

Soldier Ivan Skobliy (call sign Flag) was killed on June 4, 2023 near the village of Zvanivka in the Donetsk region. While on a combat mission, the soldier was blown up by an enemy mine. In May, the defender turned 48 years old. Ivan was born in the city of Novyi Rozdil, Lviv region. He studied at the local school No. 4. In 1993, he graduated from the Novorozdilske Vocational School No. 5, obtaining the profession of a car mechanic. He worked, created a family, and raised with his wife Hanna a son Ivan and a daughter Tanya. For some time he worked abroad in construction, but often emphasized: "To work for a master in a foreign country is not for me, one needs to be useful in one's native state." His last job was as a security guard at the Silpo supermarket. He was interested in news, politics, and space. He adored football. During the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ivan was waiting for a summons. But he did not receive it. And in 2020, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of BMP operator-gunner in the 109th battalion of the 10th separate mountain assault brigade. He carried out combat missions on the territory of the Joint Forces Operation. During the full-scale invasion, he continued to defend Ukraine from the invaders along with his comrades-in-arms. "Dad was very kind, always gave advice on how to behave in this or that situation, and could do everything - cook and fix everything. And he also loved to joke a lot. He loved his family very much, said he was ready to die for them. He defended his country to the last breath. He was very brave and fearless, but at the same time very kind and good," Tetyana Skobliy said. "One of the best sergeants, a responsible warrior, a good person. Thanks to people like him, we will be able to defeat this horde," his comrade-in-arms described Ivan. The warrior was buried at the Malekhiv cemetery in his hometown. Ivan is survived by his father Vasyl, wife Hanna, children Ivan and Tetyana, sisters Lesya and Svitlana with their families.