Ilona VOVK

Sometimes it feels like the cup of bitterness from losses is already overflowing. But with a sharp pain, another one is added—we try to recover, support our loved ones, and find the strength to move forward.

Ilona Vovk is an incredibly painful loss that our iron family has endured. The 20-year-old girl was just beginning her journey as a conductor. She did not go abroad but chose Ukraine. She dreamed of becoming a railway worker, was proud to have completed her internship, and was starting her first full-fledged trips. She actively engaged in the youth railway community and participated in an international internship in Germany. Everything was ahead of her—she was passionate about her work and wanted to work specifically in Ukraine, at Ukrzaliznytsia.

On the night of the tragedy, March 22, enemy strikes on rolling stock forced the evacuation of passengers. Ilona acted bravely—she was heading to assist the passengers, not thinking of her own danger. Tragic circumstances on the Odesa railway led to her death.

It is said that railway safety rules are written in blood. The price for continuing to move forward is extremely high—these are names, smiles, dreams that we lose forever. But we have no right to stop.

May the memory of our young conductor Ilona Vovk be eternal. May she race into the distance of her colorful dreams. We are proud that you were with us, and we will do everything to ensure that your memory lives on, inspiring a new generation of railway workers and helping them realize their dreams.

Iron in the sky and in our hearts!