Ivan Yurochko, a resident of the Velyki Mosty community, was killed in action while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Umanske in Donetsk region. For almost two years he was considered missing in action.
Contact with the Defender of Ukraine was lost on 14 June 2024 during a combat mission in Donetsk region. For his family, this marked the beginning of a long period of pain, hope and waiting. Only in March 2026 did it become known that the serviceman had been killed.
Ivan Yurochko was born on 11 February 1990 in the village of Boyanets. He studied at the Boyanets school and later gained the professions of maintenance fitter and electric and gas welder at the Chervonohrad Vocational Mining and Construction Lyceum. After his compulsory military service, he worked at the Vidrodzhennia mine, where he proved himself to be a responsible employee.
Family was Ivan’s greatest treasure. Together with his wife he was bringing up their children, taking joy in fatherhood and dreaming about their future. He is remembered as a loving husband and caring father who wanted nothing more than to see his children happy.
When the full-scale invasion began, without hesitation, Ivan Yurochko stepped up to defend Ukraine and on 7 March 2022 joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. His combat path took him through some of the hottest sectors in Donetsk region: Kurakhove, Pavlivka, Novomykhailivka, the Avdiivka axis and other settlements where fierce fighting continued. His comrades-in-arms remember him as a courageous warrior, a true friend and someone you could always rely on.
For his bravery and dedication to military duty, Ivan Yurochko was awarded the medal “For Military Service to Ukraine”. Yet the war has claimed another faithful son of Ukraine.
The farewell to the Defender took place on 4 April 2026. Ivan Yurochko was laid to rest and buried in his native village of Boyanets.
Ivan Yurochko is remembered as a brave Defender, a kind and sincere person, a loving father, husband, son and comrade-in-arms. His life became an example of devotion to his family, his people and his country.