Ivan RESHETNYAK

The Dnipro Railway and all of Ukraine have lost a rare talent, a dedicated friend, and a fearless warrior. Ivan was born in the village of Znamenivka in the Novomoskovsk district of Dnipropetrovsk region. He found his calling early: after graduating from the Dnipropetrovsk Railway Transport Technical School, he began working at the Lower Dnipro Electric Supply Division in July 2009, where he diligently worked until the onset of the great war.

For 16 years, Ivan devoted his strength and knowledge to the railway. Thanks to his high technical competence, hard work, and bravery, he quickly and deservedly rose to the position of contact network electrician of the highest, 6th grade. The head of the contact network district remembers him as a "God-given master" with a wise head on his shoulders, who performed the most challenging high-altitude tasks and never hid behind his colleagues. Ivan was the true "soul" of his team—sociable, reliable, and always ready to help. In his free time, he enjoyed mushroom picking in the beautiful forests near his hometown or fishing with his colleagues.

In February 2022, having every right to deferment as a highly valued specialist for infrastructure, Ivan made a heartfelt decision—he volunteered to go to the front. Under the call sign "Vano," he bravely defended his homeland. In January 2025, he sustained serious injuries during fierce fighting near Bakhmut. After a long and difficult recovery, he had a legitimate opportunity to be discharged, but he could not leave his comrades—he returned to the front lines.

For his exceptional courage and heroism, Ivan Reshetnyak was awarded the Order of "For Courage" III degree, the Medal "For Military Service to Ukraine," the honorary badge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Golden Cross," the combatant badge, and the "Eastern Front" medal.

On May 5, 2026, in the city of Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, the life of the soldier-railroader was cut short due to a treacherous enemy shelling.

In civilian life, Ivan was an extraordinarily calm, patient, and balanced man with "golden hands." He was passionate about technology, could spend hours meticulously working on microchips or repairing his motorcycle and car. He was a skilled host, nurturing his garden and vineyard. Above all, he loved his family—his wife Svitlana and their two little daughters, whom he always spoiled with treats and surrounded with boundless paternal tenderness. In people, he valued justice and loyalty above all, and he himself embodied these virtues.

Ivan is survived by his parents, sister, wife, and two daughters. This pain will not heal with time, but the hero's feat is forever inscribed in golden letters in the history of our victory.

The team of the Lower Dnipro Electric Supply Division of the regional branch of "Dnipro Railway" JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the fallen defender. We bow our heads in mourning for our dear colleague. The bright memory of Ivan, his courage, and his sincere heart will live on forever.

Eternal memory to our Hero!