Sergiy KAPTYUK

Serhiy Serhiyovych Kaptyukh, head of the qualification and certification center for welders at the "NDKTI" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" and chief welder of the institute, tragically lost his life on May 13, 2026. His life, which exemplified high professionalism, responsible leadership, and sincere dedication to his work, was cut short during a business trip due to a treacherous enemy attack. He was 46 years old.

Serhiy Serhiyovych dedicated nearly 27 years of his life to the railway transport sector, progressing from a worker in the assembly shop to a leader at the national level.

Serhiy was born in Zaporizhzhia. His career was built on a solid foundation of knowledge, continuous development, and hard work:

In 1998, he graduated from the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical College with a degree in "Technical Maintenance, Repair, and Operation of Railway Traction Rolling Stock." In July of the same year, he began his career as an electrician in the assembly shop of PJSC "ZERZ" (Zaporizhzhia Electric Locomotive Repair Plant).

Not resting on his laurels, in 2005 he graduated from Zaporizhzhia National Technical University, obtaining a qualification as an electromechanical engineer.

Due to his high responsibility and knowledge, from August 2008 to September 2019, he headed the technical control department at PJSC "ZERZ."

From October 2019 until the last day of his life, he worked at the "Scientific Research and Design Technology Institute of Railway Transport" (NDKTI) of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia," leading the qualification and certification center for welders.

Serhiy Serhiyovych always personally oversaw the most important processes of personnel training for the railway. On May 11, 2026, he left for a planned six-day business trip to Zdolbuniv (VChDR) to conduct certification for railway welders.

On May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM, during a training session, an air raid alert was sounded. As a responsible leader, Serhiy Serhiyovych ensured the evacuation of the technical class, and all employees left the depot area for a safe location. However, outside the enterprise, at 1:08 PM on Staromylska Street, Serhiy Kaptyukh was struck by an enemy drone. The injury he sustained was fatal.

In the memories of his colleagues, Serhiy Serhiyovych will forever remain a strong leader, a composed professional, and a person with a big heart. He possessed the rare gift of maintaining absolute self-control and calm even in the most difficult and stressful situations.

He never shied away from challenges, always persistently pursued his goals, and taught this to his subordinates. His word carried unconditional weight, and each decision was based on principles of morality, honesty, professional ethics, and deep respect for working people.

Outside of work, Serhiy was a loving husband and caring father. His family was always the main source of joy and the greatest value in his life.

We express our deepest condolences to his wife Natalia and son Kyrylo. This pain cannot be measured in words, and the entire railway family mourns with you.

The team of the qualification and certification center for welders at the "NDKTI" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" bows their heads in deep sorrow. His bright image, diligence, wisdom, and contribution to the development of Ukrainian railways will forever be etched in the history of the industry.

Eternal and bright memory to Serhiy Serhiyovych Kaptyukh.