Viktor ARHYTKO

Despite his love for the railway and his profession, Viktor Arkhytko, a track maintenance worker from the Khodoriv railway division, always followed the call of his heart. In 2016, when the enemy was already igniting war, Viktor decided to defend his homeland by signing a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He chose the Marine Corps. While defending Mariupol, he sustained injuries and underwent a long recovery. Dreaming of becoming an officer, Viktor decided to pursue higher education and returned to military service in 2020.

With the onset of the full-scale invasion by the occupiers, the marines were among the first to defend the country. Viktor Arkhytko, a sergeant major and commander of the gun crew of the artillery battery of the self-propelled artillery division of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, stood steadfastly with his comrades in defense of Mariupol.

In March 2022, communication with his family was cut off, and in April, the family received news from his comrades that the brigade in which Viktor fought had been captured by the enemy... Nearly two years of anxiety and hope... but it was not meant for Viktor Ivanovych to return home.

Sergeant Major Viktor Arkhytyko was killed in April 2022 during the defense of Mariupol. In March 2024, DNA testing confirmed his death. The glorious life of the soldier-railway worker was cut short at the age of 48.

The team at the Khodoriv railway division of the regional branch "Lviv Railway" of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" deeply mourns the loss of their colleague, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Viktor Arkhytko. This brave railway worker and maintenance man defended the country twice and heroically fell as the commander of a gun during the defense of Mariupol. His steadfastness, loyalty to his oath, and willingness to follow the call of his heart serve as an example for us all. Eternal memory to the marine!