Ivan V. Zakharuk (Zakhar)

Senior soldier Ivan Zakharuk (call sign Zakhar) was killed on February 17, 2024 near the village of Prechystivka in the Donetsk region. Despite constant attacks by the occupiers, he was unable to leave the body of his fallen comrade. As a result of a direct hit by an artillery shell on the dugout, the defender's life was cut short. Ivan was 32 years old. He was born in the village of Mozghove, Sumy region. He was an orphan. From childhood, he was engaged in athletics. He had several vocational and technical educations. He studied at Sumy State University, majoring in "History and Archeology". He was a professional athlete, a multiple medalist and champion in pankration and mixed martial arts, as well as a master of sports in pankration. For eight years, he worked as an electric welder at an enterprise in Sumy, where he also lived. In his free time, he played football, volleyball, table tennis, and loved fishing. During the full-scale invasion, he voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He held the position of a scout in the 58th separate motorized infantry brigade. He was repeatedly awarded certificates and the medal "For service in intelligence." "Vanya was an incredible person, a caring man and a true friend who could be relied upon. Despite all the life troubles, a difficult childhood, he kept kindness in his heart, optimism, and always believed in a better future. He was very sensitive to the problems of other people, always went to help, never remained aloof. Vanya was very active, constantly charged with energy and positivity. He will forever be in my heart..." said his wife Kateryna. The warrior was buried on the Alley of Glory of the Novo-Tsentral Baranivske Cemetery in Sumy. Ivan is survived by his wife and guardians.