Taras S. Bilyk (Bil)

Senior soldier Taras Bilyk (call sign Bil) was killed on April 15, 2022, in battle for the city of Mariupol in Donetsk region. Breaking through the Kalmius River to the Azovstal plant on a BTR, he was killed as a result of an enemy shell hitting. The warrior is now forever 27 years old. Taras was born in the city of Lozova, Kharkiv region. In childhood, he was attentive, inquisitive, intelligent, always the first, but always thought about how to do better. He stu at school No. 1. In 2018, he graduated from the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute". He received two diplomas in the specialties: "Electrical Engineering and Electrical Technology", "Non-Traditional and Renewable Energy Sources". He loved animals. He was interested in history, music, cars, guns, read a lot of nationalist literature, stu English, and dreamed of traveling the world. After completing his higher education in 2019, he signed a contract with the National Guard of Ukraine. When he was in training, he decided to join the separate special purpose unit "Azov". He held the position of mortarman. When he came on vacation, he met with friends, teachers, relatives, but loved spending time with his family. For his mother, he was always a support, a support, as he was the eldest of three sons. For his middle brother, he replaced his father, was always an example for him. For his younger brother, Taras was like a holiday: gifts, hugs, sweets. On February 24, 2022, Taras was at the base in Urzuf with his comrades. His unit immediately went to defend Mariupol from Russian occupiers. "He told me that the enemy's forces were 12 to 1, that he went out to positions under enemy fire with his mortar crew and covered the enemy fire with his actions. He made calculations for two mortars at once. He said they had destroyed a lot of enemy equipment. When he called, he was always cheerful, never complained, said they were holding the defense, had lost a lot of legendary guys, and there was little left of Mariupol. He always asked how we were, if we had food, water?" - Taras' mother, Olena, said. The hero was buried in his hometown. Taras left behind his parents and two younger brothers. Posthumously, the "Azov" soldier was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.