On Friday, May 30, the city of Lviv will honor the memory of two Ukrainian defenders — Ivan Ilyakhov and Serhii Svintozelskyi — who gave their lives protecting the country from Russian aggression. The city authorities are urging residents and visitors to attend the farewell ceremonies and refrain from holding entertainment or celebrations at this time.
The burial ceremonies will begin at 11:00 AM at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. A public citywide farewell will follow around 11:30 AM on Rynok Square.
Ivan Ilyakhov will be laid to rest at Riasne Cemetery, and Serhii Svintozelskyi at Lychakiv Cemetery.
Biography of Ivan Ilyakhov (July 7, 1990 – May 23, 2025):
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A native of Lviv, he studied at Lyceum No. 38 and became a qualified accountant at the Lviv College of Transport Infrastructure.
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Worked in private construction as a skilled laborer.
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Described by family as kind-hearted and selfless, he loved football and found joy in sports.
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In 2024, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, completed intensive training with the 355th Training Mechanized Regiment, and fought in the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade and military unit A7019 on the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk fronts.
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He was awarded the state medal “Iron Cross” after being seriously wounded in action.
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He is survived by his mother, brother, sisters, and nieces and nephews.
Biography of Serhii Svintozelskyi (December 20, 1983 – May 26, 2025):
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Also from Lviv, he graduated from Secondary School No. 44 named after Taras Shevchenko and earned qualifications as a mechanic and manual welder from Vocational School No. 29.
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Completed compulsory military service in unit A2602.
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Worked as a driver for “Lvivenergoavtotrans” and later at the state enterprise “Kalush CHP”.
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His family remembers him as warm, honest, humorous, a devoted family man with a big heart.
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After the full-scale invasion began, he served in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade and defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kursk directions.
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He was honored with the “Steel Cross” badge.
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Survived by his wife, daughters, mother, and brother.