Ivan LABA

Ivan Yuriyovych Laba was born in the city of Kotovsk, now Podilsk. After finishing school, he enrolled in the Odesa College of Transport Technologies, specializing in "Installation, Maintenance, and Repair of Automated Traffic Control Systems in Railway Transport," and received the qualification of "Electromechanic."

He joined the railway immediately after graduating. He worked as an electrician for the repair and maintenance of signaling, centralization, and locking devices of the 4th category at the production unit "Podilsk Signal and Communication Distance" of the regional branch "Odesa Railway." He dedicated nearly 8 years to the railway.

On April 19, 2018, he was drafted for compulsory military service. This first experience changed him forever, so Ivan decided not to stop and later, on January 9, 2020, signed a contract with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. For over 4 years, he diligently and honestly fulfilled his duties in one of the units of the Podilsk Border Detachment. In the summer of 2024, Ivan was transferred for further service to the Luhansk Border Detachment, where he carried out combat missions under constant danger, demonstrating resilience and courage.

Ivan was killed on May 13, 2025, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine while performing his duties as a result of an airstrike in the vicinity of the settlement of Nechvolodivka in the Kharkiv region. He was only 27.

At home, he was awaited by his mother, wife, and young daughter. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

The team of the Podilsk Signal and Communication Distance deeply mourns this irreparable loss. Eternal memory and honor to our colleague and hero.