On January 12, 2024, while repelling the Russian occupiers’ advance in the Donetsk region, Soldier Taras Haliant was killed in action. A native of Zdolbuniv, he was an athlete, a patriot, and a defender of Ukraine. He was 38 years old.
Taras Haliant was born on January 1, 1986, in Zdolbuniv, Rivne region. He spent his childhood and youth there and attended the local city gymnasium, which is now Lyceum No. 2.
From his school years, Taras was an active and engaged young man who cared deeply about what was happening in his country. He took part in both the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. He was also involved in civic initiatives in his hometown. In particular, he was among those who actively contributed to the installation of a monument to Stepan Bandera in Zdolbuniv.
After graduating from school, Taras studied management at Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities.
Sport was an integral part of his life. Taras was among those who helped develop American football in the Rivne region. He played for the Zdolbuniv Eagles and represented the club at Ukrainian American football championships for approximately five years.
It was a team of friends and like-minded people — an environment where trust, mutual support, and the willingness to never let down the person beside you were especially valued. In time, these qualities would prove essential to Taras not on the playing field, but in war.
In June 2023, Taras took up arms to defend Ukraine. Before beginning his service, he underwent military training in the Zhytomyr region and later continued his training in Poland. He subsequently served with the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade as a grenade launcher operator.
The news that Taras was missing became an especially painful ordeal for his family. For nearly two years, his father and those closest to him had no definitive answer about his fate. Only later did DNA testing confirm what was hardest to believe: Taras had been killed while carrying out a combat mission.
In October 2025, Zdolbuniv saw its native son off on his final journey.
On May 22, 2026, Taras Haliant was posthumously awarded the Order for Courage, Third Class. His father received the state award on his behalf.
He was a son, a friend, an athlete, a citizen, and a warrior.
May his memory be eternal.
Eternal gratitude to the defender of Ukraine.