Ukraine’s sports family has suffered another irreparable loss. Ivan Zakharuk, a master of sports of Ukraine in pankration, was killed in Donetsk region.
He was born on September 20, 1991, in the village of Chernechchyna, Sumy region. Despite the fact that his school years had already gone many years ago, he will always be remembered by his teacher Natalia. He was a very kind, sincere, outgoing boy who met her with a smile at school. He had many friends at school and in sport as well. Ivan was fond of the ancient Greek martial art – pankration. He became an outstanding athlete and master of sports of Ukraine. He was an example of perseverance, persistence, high professionalism and extraordinary kindness for his peers and future generations. Ivan was a student at Sumy State University, majoring in History and Archeology. The department recalls that their student was interested in historical science and dreamed of becoming a good historian, but the war changed everything. It forced many Ukrainians to write their own history and fight for Ukraine being left not only on the pages of historical books, but for staying a peaceful, free, independent and prosperous state.
Ivan was one of the first to defend Ukraine from Russian invaders. He served as a gunner of a reconnaissance platoon. Like everyone else, he made plans for the future, not only believed in our victory, but made titanic efforts on the front line every day. But, unfortunately, on February 17, 2024, 32-year-old Ivan Zakharuk was killed while performing a combat operation in Volnovakha district, Donetsk region…