Taras S. Haiduk

Junior Sergeant Taras Haiduk killed in action on March 6, 2022, in a battle with the enemy near the town of Orihiv, Zaporizhzhia region. During artillery shelling and an airstrike, he received fatal shrapnel wounds. The defender was forever 31 years old. Taras was from the city of Uzhhorod, Zakarpattia region. He graduated from Uzhhorod National University and Ukrainian Catholic University with a degree in "History". He worked for a long time as a guide-excursionist, although he tried himself in various professions. He was interested in local history, stu little-known tourist destinations in Zakarpattia, and popularized the history of Ukrainian towns. He loved mountains and hiking, dreamed of creating mountain routes for tourists and opening his own tourist company. Since 2014, he has headed the public organization "Zakarpattia Community", which dealt with social projects and decommunization of streets in Uzhhorod. He dreamed of his own vineyard. In 2017-2020, the man served under contract in the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. Then he was awarded the brigade badge "Silver Edelweiss". After returning to civilian life, he successfully mastered the professions of web developer, tester, and before the full-scale invasion, he interned at an IT company. On the first day of the full-scale war, Taras went to the military enlistment office. Later, as part of his 128th OGSHB, he went to the front line. He held the position of chief sergeant of the combat vehicle. "I can't remember Taras without a smile. I felt happy next to him, all difficulties didn't matter, because Taras said: as long as we are alive, everything is possible for us. His steadfastness and intelligence helped in the army, and sincere emotionality always gathered many friends around Taras. He was extremely fair, loved to debate, but found a compromise with everyone. For me, Taras is a beacon in life, his values and beliefs are relevant now and will live forever!", said the fallen warrior's wife, Maria. "Taras was truly the best son, brother, beloved husband, reliable friend, and just a person with a capital letter. He was one of the first to go defend his country. And there are many like him in heaven. They are all on many steps higher. They are given to see both on earth and in heaven. So let's not forget at what cost we are given the independence of Ukraine", added his mother, Anna. The hero was buried on the Hill of Glory in his native Uzhhorod. Friends and colleagues after Taras' death opened a mini-sculpture in Uzhhorod dedicated to guides, the prototype of which was the warrior himself. The defender was survived by his parents, sister, brother, wife, relatives, friends, colleagues, and comrades-in-arms. Posthumously, the fighter was awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree and the honorary order "Cross of the Hero".