In the Velyki Mosty community, they remember Ihor Birban, who died while on duty, returning from the front. The serviceman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine had close ties with Velyki Mosty, where he was well known and respected.
Ihor Birban stepped forward to defend Ukraine as early as 2015, carrying out combat missions in the Donetsk sector. After the start of the full-scale invasion, he once again joined the armed forces and served with the 7th Carpathian Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
On 27 July 2024, on his way for rotation from the Kharkiv sector, Ihor’s heart suddenly stopped. On 1 August, his birthday, he returned to his native Velyki Mosty on a shield, and the following day the community accompanied him on his final journey.
In the Velyki Mosty community, they emphasise that Ihor Birban was a man of honour, courage and a great heart, kind, sincere and dedicated to his duty. He leaves behind his wife, daughters, son-in-law, little granddaughter, mother and brother, for whom his loss has been a heavy blow.
For his devoted service to Ukraine and the community, the honorary title of “Hero of the Velyki Mosty Territorial Community” has been posthumously conferred on Ihor Birban. His name and his deed will remain in the memory of his family, his comrades-in-arms, his friends and all the residents of the community.