Viktor V. Stefanovych (Vik)

As part of the Volunteer Ukrainian Corps, Viktor Stefanovych fought since December 2014. The cause of the hero's death was a shrapnel wound to the carotid artery. The relatives of the deceased still cannot believe that Viktor is no longer among the living. His mother, Halyna Drabak, speaks through tears about her eldest son. She says that a great hope died in her heart along with him. "When they told me that Vitya had died, it felt like something inside me snapped," she says. "This trembling voice of comrades, who delivered the terrible news, still echoes in my ears. I don't know if I will ever be able to drown out this pain of loss. It is very frightening when parents outlive their children." Viktor was the eldest son in the family, born in 1987. He had a younger brother born in 1992. According to his mother, Vitya always stood out for his courage, patriotism, and zest for life. "He always rushed into battle, could not tolerate injustice, and was very concerned about the fate of Ukraine," the woman emphasizes. "When the revolutionary events began on Maidan, he actively participated in them. He could not remain indifferent to the events that unfolded in the East of the country. We were not supporters of him going to war. But he made the decision. In December last year, Viktor went to the East as part of the Volunteer Ukrainian Corps. His mother recounts that her son did not serve in the army but never shied away from service. On the contrary, he looked down on those men who fled from mobilization or did not want to go to the army. "For him, this was a painful topic," the woman says. "He could not understand why men flee abroad when there is a war in the country, when it is necessary to reclaim Ukraine. If someone in the village, God forbid, says something about it, Vitya would flare up like a match." Mrs. Halyna did not know in which locality her son was. She says he did not confess. He constantly said that they were not where the shooting was, that they were far from the front line. From his comrades, the woman learned that the fighters were near the city of Shyrokyne. "On Friday, Vitya still called," she continues, crying. "He sent me documents for the subsidy application. He said that there might be no connection, but promised to call on Monday. And he never called again…" Viktor's friends from the "Right Sector" helped organize the transportation of the body and the funeral of the fallen. Viktor was buried on June 21 in Ternopil at the Mykulyntsi cemetery. The leader of the "Right Sector" in the Ternopil region, Vasyl Labaychuk, recalls how Viktor joined the ranks of volunteers. "We conduct mobilization work in every region. Vitya came to us in December last year and said he wanted to fight alongside the guys from the DUC," he recounts. "Like everyone else, he underwent the appropriate briefing and received explanations about the possible risks. After that, he completed 1.5 months of training at a training center in Desna. By the end of January, he was assigned to a combat unit of the 8th separate company. Vasyl, like everyone who knew Viktor Stefanovych, remembers him only with kind words. "The guys who lived with him in the same barracks, who fought together, are struggling with the loss," he says. "Vitya never lagged behind. He died like a hero, covering his comrades as they retreated. He was the last to go…" "We met Viktor back at the military training center. After that, fate brought us together to fight in the same company. In the evenings, we could sit and talk. We talked more about home. Viktor remembered his family, made plans for the future. He was a good, bright person," recounts Viktor's comrade-in-arms, a fighter with the call sign Maloy. Andriy Gergert: "We mourn! The 8th separate company has lost its first fighter! Viktor Stefanovych, a 28-year-old warrior, a hero from Ternopil, died while covering a group that engaged in battle in Shyrokyne! For us, this is a black day — Ukraine has lost its devoted son! We remember how he was among us — completely unpretentious, calm, a very kind guy, a friend, a brother! But he fought like a lion! He had a strong and powerful body, protected his comrades, and did so this time! But Viktor did not die in vain — his death will make everyone who does nothing for the country answer, especially those who trample on the names of their heroes! The memory of him will give us strength to stand up for the truth, and to destroy the cynical killers of the nation! Extend a hand to Viktor's family, so they feel what sympathy and respect mean, not just in words! Do not remain indifferent! Eternal memory, knight of honor! You died for your homeland, and there is nothing greater than that love! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!"