Ilya KORNIENKO

Ilya was born and lived in the town of Bilbasivka in the Donetsk region. He had incomplete higher education, studying at the Sloviansk Technical School of the Luhansk National Agrarian University. He worked on the railway in the track service (PCh-Sloviansk) as a second-class trackman.

In 2015, Illya was mobilized. As part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he participated in the ATO/JFO in the Donetsk region. He completed his service with the rank of senior soldier. After demobilization in 2021, Illya returned to the railway. “Illya joined the railway in 2014, and by 2015 he was mobilized. But even in this short time, he managed to prove himself as a decent and honest person,” his colleagues recall.

31-year-old Illya Korniienko had previously served in the ATO, but he died during his leave while traveling to Kharkiv for personal matters. This occurred on March 30, 2022.

Awards: Medal for Exemplary Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, 1st class, Commander of Joint Forces Award "Cossack Cross" 3rd class, Presidential Award of Ukraine "For Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation," badge "Participant of ATO," and a letter of appreciation from the Donetsk Regional Organization of Veterans of Airborne Forces "Union of Paratroopers."

His family says he was a very kind and compassionate person, had many friends, and was always ready to help. Illya's greatest passion was fishing.

The deceased is survived by his wife and two children.

The team of the Sloviansk Track Distance of the regional branch "Donetsk Railway" of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" deeply mourns the loss of their colleague, senior soldier Illya Korniienko. This ATO veteran was awarded several honors for defending the country. His zest for life, integrity, honesty, and love for fishing will forever remain in our hearts!