Ivan TKACH

Ivan Tkach was born in the village of Apolonivka, Dnipropetrovsk region. In 2021, he began working on the railway as a trackman of the 3rd category at the Apostolivska track distance of the regional branch "Dniprovsk Railway."

In April 2022, Ivan was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as in the Kharkiv direction. His comrades called him "crazy" for his strength and speed in everything he undertook. They also referred to him as "Vanya VDV," as he served in the airborne troops. He was responsible and principled, respected his friends, and was always ready to help them. When Ivan returned to military service from home, leaving his family, his daughter Kamila would always cry, and he would tell her, "I love you, Daddy will be back soon!" And during his last visit, too…

Unfortunately, on June 29, 2024, the life of the 30-year-old warrior was cut short. He died while performing a combat mission near the city of Vilniansk in the Zaporizhzhia region.

His wife Marina shared: "Ivan was strong, agile, brave, and at the same time, incredibly caring and attentive. He loved our two-year-old daughter Kamila very much. She would not leave his side: he would be doing something, and she would be spinning around him, 'helping.' He loved his large family: his mother, grandmother, sisters, and brother, for whom he was a protector, as their father passed away early. He treated me with love and tenderness, listened carefully to my wishes, and always tried to bring me joy."

Ivan loved spending time in nature, quietly sitting by the river, while clubs and cafes were not his scene. At the same time, he was persistent, bravely taking on new tasks, and encouraged his wife not to be afraid to try something new for herself.

Marina recalls: "Family was the most important thing in his life. He always hurried home after work and from the front, as his comrades said, he would rush back at the first opportunity. Even if it was just for a few hours, he wanted to be with us. He would always bring two bouquets—one for me and one for our daughter; toys and sweets. When we were building our house, Vanya did everything himself—he had golden hands and loved to work. He wanted to set up a playground for our daughter in the yard, but he only managed to make a sandbox."

"Vanya said he was not afraid of death in war, but he wanted to live to see our daughter grow up. He was afraid he wouldn’t see her go to school, wouldn’t be there for her graduation or wedding. He loved his daughter above all, saying she was the best, calling her a beauty and sunshine. Kamila would run to Vanya to show him her new dress or hairstyle, and he would help her paint her nails. This is how Vanya lives in our memory—and we miss him very much," Marina shared.

Track master of the Apostolivska track distance, Vladyslav Onezhko, also remembers that Ivan was eager to work: "He was the first to take on tasks, very responsible; he never slacked off or sat idle. He was sociable and blended into the team from day one. It’s a pity he didn’t work with us for long; he was a good person."

Ivan is survived by his wife Marina, daughter Kamila, mother, grandmother, sisters, and brother.

The team at the Apostolivska track distance deeply mourns the irreparable loss of Ivan Tkach. We remember his golden hands that built a home and his steel spirit that defended our country. His love for family and bravery on the battlefield will forever remain our guiding light. Honor to the hero-railway!