The Sokal community has lost two Defenders of Ukraine — Ivan Vasylovych Sobchuk and Vasyl Stepanovych Rybak. The Sokal City Council announced the deaths of the servicemen. The community has expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased soldiers.
Ivan Sobchuk
Ivan Vasylovych Sobchuk was born on February 25, 1974, in Sokal. He attended Secondary School No. 1 and later continued his education at the Sokal Vocational Lyceum.
On June 22, 1992, Ivan Sobchuk was called up for compulsory military service. After returning from the army, he married his wife, Yulia. The couple raised three children — Anastasiia, Maksym, and Solomiia.
During the full-scale war, Ivan once again joined the military. On July 22, 2024, he was called up for service with military unit A-1376. While serving in the Sumy region, the Defender was wounded.
Vasyl Rybak
Vasyl Stepanovych Rybak was born on January 15, 1976, in Sokal. He studied at Sokal School No. 5 and later graduated from the Sokal Vocational Lyceum.
After completing his education, Vasyl worked at furniture manufacturing companies and was also involved in construction work.
He was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in August 2023. In December of the same year, the serviceman was captured by enemy forces.
Vasyl Rybak spent more than two years in captivity. On March 6, 2026, he returned to his homeland.
Vasyl is survived by his mother Hanna, sister Mariia, daughters Diana and Khrystyna, and granddaughter Jasmine. Sincere condolences have been extended to the Defender’s family and loved ones.
The Sokal community is honoring the memory of Ivan Sobchuk and Vasyl Rybak. Information about the dates, times, and arrangements for the funeral ceremonies of both Defenders will be announced separately by the city council.
Eternal memory to the Defenders of Ukraine.