As part of the special feature “The Border of the Unbreakable”, the story was presented of border guard Ivan, originally from Lviv region, who has already dedicated 14 years of his life to service in the border agency.
In 2012, having just reached adulthood, Ivan signed a contract and joined the ranks of the State Border Guard Service. He spent his first years of service in Lviv region, and later continued it in the Chop and Mostyska border detachments, where he gained professional experience and honed his military skills.
In March 2015, Ivan, as part of a combat border commandant’s unit, went to Donetsk region to carry out tasks in the area of the anti-terrorist operation. Until July 2015, he performed combat missions there, after which he returned to the Mostyska border detachment and continued his service.
From November 2018 to January 2020, the serviceman served in the 1st border detachment in Donetsk region. After that, he returned once again to Lviv region, where he continues to serve in border units.
From July to October 2023, Ivan again carried out combat missions in one of the hottest sectors – the Serebrianskyi Forest. It was from there that he brought back one of his most vivid memories: after leaving their positions in heavy rain and thick fog, a group of border guards reached their destination, and at that very moment the sky suddenly cleared and became cloudless. For the soldier, this episode became a symbol of hope and faith in Victory, even in the hardest of times.
Ivan admits that in the tensest moments his thoughts are always with his loved ones. It is the support of his family that helps him endure the trials of service and move forward. When asked about his main motivation to remain in the ranks, he answers briefly:
“Ukrainian land must be free”
Ivan’s full story can be watched in a video within the special feature “The Border of the Unbreakable”. Those wishing to serve alongside such soldiers are also invited to join the 7th Carpathian Border Detachment, based in Lviv.