Ivan Kapral

Ivan Bohdanovych was born on February 3, 1996, in Lviv. This ancient city was where he spent his childhood and youth. He grew up as an inquisitive and sensitive boy, who loved reading, had many friends, and was a reliable support and indispensable helper for his mother. Everyone who knew Ivan remembers him as a person with an exceptionally open soul, a sincere heart, and a constant readiness to help.

Ivan consciously linked his future with the railway, diligently and confidently stepping towards professional heights. He completed all levels of specialized education: in 2014, he graduated from the Lviv Interregional Higher Vocational School of Railway Transport, in 2017—Lviv College of Transport Infrastructure of DNUZT, and later obtained a higher education at the Dnipropetrovsk National University of Railway Transport named after Academician V. Lazaryan.

Immediately after graduating from university, on June 28, 2022, Ivan began his career. He started as a track installer, but due to his deep knowledge, hard work, and leadership qualities, he quickly distinguished himself and was promoted to the responsible position of a section master of Group I. The young, ambitious, and determined specialist had great plans for the future and all prospects for rapid career growth in the "railway family."

However, the defense of his homeland became his highest priority. On February 28, 2024, Ivan joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He bravely fulfilled his military duty in the hottest areas of the front as part of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of Military Unit A0998 (the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Daniel).

In October 2024, during fierce battles near the settlement of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ivan's unit came under heavy artillery fire and enemy FPV drone strikes. His mother received the devastating news that her son was missing. Later, the terrible separation was solidified by official confirmation: true to his military oath, bravely defending the freedom and independence of Ukraine, Ivan Kapral was killed in that battle on October 8, 2024.

He was only 28 years old. The war took a talented railway worker, a wonderful son, and a loyal friend, but it is powerless against memory. It will forever preserve Ivan as he was—smiling, sincere, brave, and a devoted patriot with a big heart.

The railway community and colleagues express their deepest and most sincere condolences to the mother, relatives, and friends of Ivan Kapral. We share your unspeakable pain and bow our heads in deep sorrow before the feat of the young Hero. His bright memory will live on forever.

Eternal memory and honor to the defender of Ukraine!