Ukraine has lost another of her sons — Taras Tsushko, an outstanding Ukrainian alpinist and fearless warrior, was killed in action. A Master of Sport, a longtime instructor, and one of the strongest climbers in Ukraine, he was a true titan of the mountains and a man of great heart. His life was cut short at the age of 45, on April 2, 2025.
Three years ago, Taras volunteered to join the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders. He chose the path of honor—the same path he had followed all his life, ascending to the highest summits. He died in action, defending our land from the occupiers.
Taras Tsushko was an active member of the Odessa Alpinist Club and a member of Ukraine’s national team. He was a multiple-time national champion in rock, technical, and winter climbing. His name is forever etched in the history of Ukrainian alpinism. He conquered peaks attainable only by the chosen few: Ak-Su, Slesova, Asan, Bodkhana…
But he did more than climb—he taught others, introduced newcomers to the world of alpinism, and helped them grow stronger, more confident, and braver. For many years, Taras worked as an instructor at training camps in the Caucasus and the Pamir-Alay mountains, passing on his knowledge and experience to new generations.
He was not only an athlete—he was someone people gravitated toward. Kind, compassionate, and dependable—that is how he is remembered by all Odessa alpinists, friends, comrades-in-arms, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He believed that after victory, he would return to his beloved calling. He dreamed of reviving Odessa’s legacy of alpinism at the highest level and leading it to new summits. But he did not return.
A farewell to the Hero was held on April 6 at his home club, “Odessa.” Taras Tsushko was laid to rest at Kryzhanivsky Cemetery.
We bow our heads in remembrance. Eternal glory to the Hero.