On Thursday, December 28, Lviv will honor three heroic defenders of Ukraine – Marian Prodan, Pavlo Fomenko, and Ihor Kukhta – who gave their lives protecting the country from Russian aggression. The Lviv City Council calls on residents and visitors to attend the farewell ceremony and refrain from celebrations on this solemn day.
The ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. At approximately 11:30 AM, a citywide farewell will take place in Rynok Square, followed by burial at Lychakiv Cemetery.
Biographies of the Fallen Heroes
Marian Prodan (August 20, 1973 – March 13, 2024)
Originally from Storozhynets, Chernivtsi region, Marian graduated from Gymnasium No. 2 and pursued a career as a physical education teacher. He began his military service in the 1990s with the former 300th Chernivtsi Guards Mechanized Regiment and later continued his career in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
From 2014 to 2016, he served in the Anti-Terrorist Operation Zone. In 2022, he joined the 12th Separate Battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine. Marian was a passionate football fan and a devoted supporter of Dynamo Kyiv. He is survived by his children.
Pavlo Fomenko (April 19, 1988 – December 7, 2024)
Born in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Pavlo received his education locally and at Vocational School No. 67 in Donetsk. He worked as an installer and in the elevator industry. A kind and empathetic person, Pavlo was deeply loved by those who knew him.
After the Russian invasion, Pavlo remained in Avdiivka to defend his city. In May 2024, he voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a senior gunner. He is survived by his mother.
Ihor Kukhta (January 21, 1974 – December 21, 2024)
A native of Hutyshko-Turyanske, Lviv region, Ihor attended Secondary School No. 64 in Lviv, now known as Hrono Lyceum. He worked at the Lviv Ceramic Plant and later in the construction industry. Ihor enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and reading historical literature.
He joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 5th Separate Tank Brigade in 2022. Ihor is survived by his mother, sister, and extended family.