On Wednesday, 4 June, Lviv will say goodbye to soldiers Roman Kholyavka, Yegor Ivakhov, Yuriy Pauchko and Taras Besaga, who gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian occupiers.
We urge residents and visitors to join the city’s funeral ceremony and refrain from entertainment and celebrations during this time.
The funeral service for Roman Kholyavka, Yegor Ivakhov and Yuriy Pauchok will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Garrison Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter and Paul. Afterwards, at approximately 11:30 a.m., there will be a citywide farewell ceremony on Rynok Square.
Roman Kholyavka and Yegor Ivakhov will be buried at Lychakiv Cemetery (field of honorary burials of the newest Heroes), and Yuriy Pauchok will be buried at Holoskiv Cemetery (field of veterans).
The funeral service for Taras Besaha will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Basil the Great in Ryasne (392 Ryasnyanska Street). The soldier will be buried at the Ryasne cemetery (military sector).
Biographical information about the defenders
Roman Kholiavka (11.01.1979 – 06.05.2024) was born in Novyi Rozdil, Lviv region.
He studied at the Novyi Rozdil Secondary School No. 2 of the Novyi Rozdil City Council of Lviv Oblast. Subsequently, he studied commercial activity at the Novorozdilskyi Polytechnic Vocational College (formerly Polytechnic College).
He worked in the construction industry at Lviv-Bud Limited Liability Company.
According to his family, he was a man of great soul – kind, sincere, fair. He never passed by someone else’s misfortune, always ready to lend a helping hand, support them in word or deed. His warmth and care were felt in everything he did. He was a true family man who valued his family above all else. He protected his loved ones and took care of them. A loyal friend who could be relied on at any time. He was respected and valued by everyone who knew him.
In 2023, he stood up to defend his homeland from the invasion of the Russian occupiers. He defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in the Donetsk sector in the ranks of the 68th separate Oleksa Dovbush Ranger Brigade of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was awarded the “War Veteran” badge.
Roman Kholiavka is survived by his children, wife, brother and grandmother.
Yurii Pauchok (03.05.1980 – 29.05.2025). A resident of Lviv.
He studied at secondary school No. 60 in Lviv. Subsequently, he graduated as a commodity expert at the Lviv University of Trade and Economics (formerly Lviv Commercial Academy). After graduation, he worked in his field of study, then in the construction industry.
According to his family, he was fond of fishing and hunting. The best place to relax was in the mountains.
In 2024, he stood up to defend his homeland from the Russian invaders. He defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in the Kupiansk direction in the ranks of the 116th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the 10th Army Corps of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
For his courage, he was repeatedly awarded decorations by the military command.
Yurii Pauchok is survived by his daughter, son-in-law, relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms
Yegor Ivakhov (11.04.1994 – 30.05.2025). A native of Lysychansk, Luhansk region.
He studied at the local secondary school №2. He graduated as a car mechanic at the Lysychansk Mining College. Subsequently, he continued his studies in Motor Transport at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.
He performed military service in the Dnipro region. After its completion, he continued his service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He took part in the anti-terrorist operation in the east of the country.
According to his family, he loved to fish and was fond of automotive technology. He also had a passion for precision shooting.
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he stood up to defend his homeland from the invasion of Russian occupiers. He defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in the Luhansk, Bakhmut and Donetsk areas in the ranks of the 24th separate mechanised brigade named after King Danylo of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
For his courage, he was awarded numerous decorations from the military command, including the Golden Cross of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the medal “For Military Service to Ukraine”.
Yegor Ivakhov is survived by his wife, son, relatives, friends and comrades-in-arms.
Taras Besaha (27.05.1992 – 31.05.2025). A native of the village of Bozhykiv, Ternopil region.
He studied at secondary school No. 92 in Lviv. Later, he received the profession of a car mechanic at the Higher Vocational School No. 63 in Lviv. Lviv.
He did his military service in Chernihiv. Throughout his life, he worked as a driver for various companies.
According to his family, he loved cars and their repair. He also loved fishing and was a music lover.
In 2024, he voluntarily came to the defence of his homeland from the invasion of the Russian occupiers. He defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in the Donetsk sector in the 107th Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Taras Besaha is survived by his mother, father, grandmother, sister, nephews and godson.